The Great Zimbabwe University, then known as Masvingo State University, was established through the recommendations of the Chetsanga Report of August 1995 which proposed the devolution of Teachers’ and Technical Colleges into degree awarding institutions that would eventually become universities in their own right.
The University was launched in June 1999 as the Masvingo Degree Programme of the University of Zimbabwe. Professor Obert Edward Maravanyika was appointed as the first acting Pro Vice Chancellor and identified the university’s niche as the reading of arts and culture related studies in performing, visual, literary and digi/electronic arts.
In 2000, the Masvingo Degree Programme was upgraded to a University College of the University of Zimbabwe.On December 22 2002; Masvingo University College became Masvingo State University established by an Act of Parliament Chapter 22.24 No.11/2002. In March 2004 Masvingo State University enrolled its first group of Bachelor of Education Early Childhood Education and the Bachelor of Education Primary Pre-Service degree programmes.
In September 2004, while addressing Traditional Chiefs at the Great Zimbabwe Monuments, His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Cde R.G. Mugabe indicated the need for a state institution of higher learning named after the Great Zimbabwe Monuments. The institution would derive inspiration from the symbolism of the national shrine in determining its special niche. Its curricula would focus on heritage studies, arts and culture but without abandoning those areas that are required for human resource training for overall national development.
In January 2006, the Masvingo State University hosted the International Conference on the Transformation of Masvingo State University to Great Zimbabwe University under the theme: Reclaiming National and Cultural Heritage in Higher Education: Situating the Humanities and Creative Arts in Local Contexts. In July 2007, the Masvingo State University Amendment Act (2007) was passed in Parliament paving the way for Masvingo State University to be renamed Great Zimbabwe University adopting the name of the former Church university.
On August 2 2007, His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Cde R. G. Mugabe was installed as the founding Chancellor of the Great Zimbabwe University while Professor O. E. Maravanyika was installed its first Vice Chancellor. More than one thousand students from across the University’s four Faculties became the first group of graduates to be capped at the University.
Soon after the installation and graduation ceremony, His Excellency, the President and Chancellor conducted a ground breaking ceremony at the 1000 hectares main campus site near the Great Zimbabwe National Monuments where the world class mega African university campus will be constructed.
