The Karoo is one of the World’s most unique, arid zones. In South Africa it stands alone, globally it is an: "envied rarity." Situated in the Western parts of the Eastern Cape. "Steytlerville is the home of peace and tranquility." Here one can rest, relax, refresh yourself and recharge the inner batteries of your soul, while exploring and enjoying yourself by indulging your need, for some unusual entertainment. As is common with many of the far flung Towns and Villages of the Karoo, Steytlerville had its origins as a parish for the Dutch Reformed Church. In the arid Valley between the Groot Winterhoek Mountains and the Baviaanskloof Mountains to the South and the Grootrivierberge to the North, the Farm; 'Doorspoort' was a welcome oasis for the Voortrekkers or Nomadic Farmers. These were the first settlers in the District. The Farm was purchased by the Dutch Reformed Church, in Uitenhage in 1875 to serve the spiritual needs of the local farmers and the Town was subsequently established in 1876.

Steytlerville was named in honour of the Reverend Abraham Isaac Steytler, a Minister of the Dutch Reformed Church and later Moderator of the Cape Synod between 1909 and 1915. Steytlerville became a Municipality, in 1891. The original Church was built in 1876 with some 300 members, however this first Church was replaced with the large neo-Gothic style Church in 'Sarel Cilliers Street' on the site of the original Town Square. The new Church was designed by the architect; F.W.Hesse and built by building contractors from Cape Town, H.H. Moon & Ledbury.

During the Anglo Boer War the town was garrisoned by British Troops as a protection against raiding Boer Commandos. In 1911 work was begun on a steel bridge to span the Groot River in the direction of Uitenhage. The bridge was officially opened in in 1913 and named the Lady de Waal Bridge honouring the wife of the Administrator of the Cape Province at the time, Sir Frederick de Waal. The Bridge was washed away in the flooding of the Groot River in 1916 and 1921. On both occasions it was rebuilt and remains today unused, due to its replacemnet, by a concrete bridge spanning the tempestuous Groot River in 1974.

The introduction of Merino sheep into the district, in 1915 was an important factor in the growth and development of the district for many decades and together with the Angora goat they have been farmed, in the district since 1870. This has been the central in the economic well-being of the community. In more recent times and largely at the instigation of; the former Minister of Agriculture and Water Affairs, Sarel Hayward whose roots were in Steytlerville. Many farmers introduced indigenous wildlife to their farms, given the precarious grazing conditions, resulting from persistent drought in the District. Fortunately nature has endowed Steytlerville with, exceptional beauty and it is known for its astonishing variety of semi-desert vegetation which includes dwarf shrubs, tiny succulents, umbrella-shaped wild plum trees and ancient cycads.

Visitors to the small Karoo Town will immediately be struck by the Town’s exceptionally wide; Main Street. This was designed when the Town was established in 1876. This allowed ox wagons to turn around at both ends. Nowadays the wide streets are divided by flower boxes planted with Bougainvilleas and the street lamp poles are adorned with the coats of arms of families associated with Town and Area. The Town’s houses provide beautiful examples of Edwardian and Victorian architecture. Steytlerville lies in the heartland of the Mohair production Area. The Angora goats, which produce the mohair, thrive in the natural Karoo scrub and dry climate which is just perfect for mohair production! Port Elizabeth, which lies South-East of Steytlerville, is known as the Mohair Capital of the World because most of the mohair that is produced Internationally, passes through its brokerage and processing systems. The surrounding area that adjoins Port Elizabeth has developed an agriculture/tourism product known as: the Mohair Meander. Tourists are encouraged to visit working mohair Farms and see for themselves how products associated with mohair are made! Then to share in the Karoo lifestyle of the Area that produces this rare natural wool.  Several outlets along this route sell mohair products.

Steytlerville lies at the entrance to the Eastern parts of the 'Baviaanskloof' and showcases a host of architectural gems like: 'quaint Edwardian- and Victorian-era houses with tin roofs and large street-facing verandas complete with 'broekie' lace and stained glass windows.' "This is one of the best Towns the Karoo has to offer is Steytlerville, with its Bougainvillea-lined streets and horse-drawn carts, it is a 'diamond' waiting to be discovered!"

The Transvaal, is one of the former Province of South Africa. It occupied the North Eastern part of the Country. The Limpopo River marked its border with Botswana and Zimbabwe to the North, while the Vaal River marked its boundary with Orange Free State Province, to the South. It was bounded by Mozambique and Swaziland to the East and by Cape Province to the West.

The Transvaal’s name, which means “across the Vaal,” originated with the Afrikaners who in the 1830's migrated to the region after crossing the Vaal River. The land between the Limpopo and Vaal Rivers was originally inhabited by the Sotho, Venda, and other Bantu-speaking peoples. In the 1820's and 30's they were unsettled by invasions of the Ndebele and other Bantu tribes fleeing from the warring, Zulu. Another migration was that of seminomadic pastoral Afrikaner farmers called Voortrekkers, or Boers, who in the mid-1830's began to probe Northward beyond the borders of the Cape Colony with the aim of organizing an exodus from British-controlled territory. Some 12,000 of these Boer emigrants moving Northward from the Cape crossed the Vaal River and entered the Area, where they settled in isolated Farms. After driving the Ndebele North of the Limpopo River in November 1837, the Voortrekker leader, Hendrik Potgieter, was able to claim all the land between it and the Vaal River. More Boers moved to the Transvaal when Great Britain annexed the nascent Boer Republic of Natal (1843) and established the Orange River Sovereignty (1848). Rivalries between Potgieter and his fellow leaders Andries Pretorius and W.F. Joubert prevented the Boers from forming a strong government in the Transvaal. This was because the Area lay out of reach of the administration in the Cape Colony, the British in 1852 recognized the independence of the Afrikaners north of the Vaal River under the terms of the Sand River Convention. Throughout the 1800's, the boundaries of European influence spread Eastwards, from the port of Durban, Natal. Settlers pushed Northwards, further and further into the land of the Zulu. From the mid-1800's, the Voortrekkers coalesced in two land-locked white-ruled Republics, the South African Republic (Transvaal) and the Orange Free State. The Boers drafted a constitution in 1855, and the communities centered at Pretoria, Potchefstroom, and Rustenburg, joined in 1857 to form a Transvaal state called: 'the South African Republic'.

It was governed by a Volksraad of 24 elected members and had Marthinus W. Pretorius, the son of Andries, as its first president. The new Republic’s authority was limited to the South Western Transvaal, though it claimed sovereignty over the entire area between the two rivers. The government tried to expand its territory, but more important to the Transvaal’s future were discoveries of diamonds and gold deposits (1868–74) along the Vaal River and other sites, which heightened British interest in gaining control of the region but did little to help the Boers’ stagnant agricultural-pastoral economy. In 1877, Sir Theophilus Shepstone annexed the financially bankrupt Republic to Britain over the halfhearted protest of its then-president, Thomas F. Burgers. The British failed to fulfill their promises of internal self-government to the Boers, however, in the late 1880's the Afrikaners revolted against the British and declared a new Transvaal Republic. They regained their independence—subject to certain provisos—in 1881 after overwhelming British forces at the Battle of Majuba Hill.Paul Kruger became the new republic’s first president. South Africa’s diamond mining industry dates back to 1867, when diamonds were discovered near Kimberley in what is today known as the Northern Cape. The Kimberley diamond fields, and later discoveries in Gauteng, the Free State, and along the Atlantic coast, emerged as major sources of gem-quality diamonds, securing South Africa’s position as the World’s leading producer of diamonds, in the mid-twentieth Century.

The discovery of large gold deposits in the Witwatersrand Area in 1886 resulted in a tremendous influx of miners and fortune seekers, primarily English and Germans, who were called Uitlanders. These foreigners eventually came to outnumber the Afrikaners two to one in the Transvaal, but Kruger refused to grant them voting and other rights. The British immigrants speeded the building of rail links between the Transvaal and the Cape Colony, and their growing urban populations stimulated the Boers’ commercial agriculture. The Transvaal government, however, refused to undertake political reforms and was unable to mediate between the rural, agricultural, staunchly Calvinist Afrikaners and the new British financial, mining, and commercial classes. Tensions with Britain increased greatly after an English adventurer, Leander Starr Jameson, led an abortive raid (December 1895) into the Transvaal in an attempt to provoke the Uitlanders to an internal uprising against Kruger’s rule.

The Transvaal government subsequently began to arm itself and also strengthened a defensive alliance with its sister Boer republic, the Orange Free State. War between the two Boer republics and Great Britain broke out two days after the Transvaal gave the British an ultimatum (October 9, 1899) demanding the withdrawal of British troop reinforcements that had been sent to the Cape. The British were able to occupy the capital, Pretoria, in June 1900, and in September they formally annexed the Transvaal. Fighting between the Boers and British continued, however, until the resources of both Boer republics had been broken by unceasing strain against superior forces. The Peace of Vereeniging (May 31, 1902) ended the independence of the Transvaal, which became a British crown colony under the administration of Sir Alfred Milner. The British restored internal self-government to the Transvaal in 1906. In elections held (1907) under the colony’s new constitution, the former commander of the Transvaal’s forces in the war, Gen. Louis Botha, led his Het Volk party to a majority and became prime minister with the support of Jan Christian Smuts. Their government promoted unity between the Afrikaners and the British, and in 1910 the Transvaal became a province of the Union of South Africa, a status that was maintained when the Union became the Republic of South Africa in 1961. The Transvaal’s History in the rest of the 20th Century was primarily economic. The Province was extremely rich in mineral resources, especially gold and uranium. The gold deposits were concentrated in the southern Transvaal, in a highland area known as the Witwatersrand, where Johannesburg is located. The Province also contained reserves of platinum, chromite, tin, nickel, diamonds, and coal. The complex of mining, industrial, commercial, and financial activities arising from this vast mineral wealth made the Southern Transvaal the economic heartland of South Africa. In 1994 the Transvaal was split into four provinces: Northern (now Limpopo), Pretoria-Witwatersrand-Vereeniging (now Gauteng), Eastern Transvaal (now Mpumalanga), and part of North-West. KRUGER NATIONAL PARK . An extraordinary and very interesting History of; the Kruger National Park including the San people, Voortrekkers and various gold prospectors. The first explorer to set foot in the region was the Dutchman François de Kuiper who led a Dutch East India Company expedition to explore. However, the expedition was attacked and driven by local tribes-people near Gomondwane.

Only around 1838 Voortrekker expeditions led by Louis Trichardt and Hans van Rensburg were able to successfully establish forward outposts. Hundreds of Europeans and farmers came to the Lowveld lured by hushed whispers of gold and the great quantity of valuable commodities such as ivory and skins. This caused the number of game to dramatically decrease due to hunting and trading of animal skins and horns. President Paul Kruger was told about the rapid destruction of wildlife in the area by hunters, after which he succeeded to persuade the Transvaal parliament to establish a protected area for wildlife in the Lowveld region. The very first ranger in the reserve was Paul Bester who made his residence in a rustic Rondavel (hut) which is now the site of the headquarters camp, Skukuza. Documents concerning the History of the Kruger National Park can be viewed at the Skukuza Library. Half a million Years ago, the first stone age hunters roamed the plains in search of game. Later the plains were inhabited by modern day Bushmen who have left fascinating rock paintings all over the Republic of South Africa. The Kruger National Park contains over one hundred sites of these paintings. The Kruger National Park is a living memorial to President Paul Kruger and those who have upheld his vision of a protected wilderness Reserve, which will forever remind us of that which we are so dangerously close to losing. (Learn more about the fascinating history of Kruger National Park by clicking on the Link in FURTHER READING.)

This spectacular Kloof (which is part of the R332 route) links the Western section of the Baavianskloof with the higher Karoo hinterland, and more specifically, the Towns of: Willowmore and Uniondale, (which are standard places to refuel before ascending the Baavianskloof Pass).

The Pass needs to be driven slowly to best appreciate its dramatic, unique geology. This is a big Pass and that involves multiple River crossings - none of which are conventionally Bridged. (Should you find the first two crossings difficult or the current too strong, rather turn back, as conditions get much worse the further down the Kloof you proceed!)

The Pass contains 41 bends, corners and curves within its length, which includes 1 full horseshoe bend and 10 other bends in excess of 100 degrees. The gradients are generally fairly easy and never exceed 1:12, but the road surface can vary between quite good (the road had just been graded on the day of filming) to badly corrugated and rutted and the road is also frequently damaged by floodwaters, so make your way too cross, at the river crossings.

Located in the Limpopo Province outside of Phalaborwa. This Area of Mbaula stretches over an area of 3.032 squared kilometers. There is a Population of 2 700 of which 42.8% are male and 57.2% are female. The Median age is- 19 (which is the age that divides the population in two parts of equal size, that is, there are as many persons with ages above the median as there are with ages below the median.)

The name is derived from the Nyanja language and means: 'the heater'. In the Village this device is used for heating and cooking. ("This often results in inhalation of smoke and shack fires!"). This is a Niger/Congo language and a Bantu member of the Benue-Congo family of languages, spoken by c. 5 million people, mainly in Malawi, where it is an official language (together with English), as well as in parts of neighbouring countries (Zambia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe); also called: Chinyanja; Chewa or Chichewa. The language is spelt in the Roman Alphabet. There is a variety of dialects spread over: Chewa, Ngoni and Mang'anja being one of them. Like most of the Bantu languages, Nyanja is also a tonal language.

The Mushroom Farm offers a delightful array of eateries, play areas, local retailers and a nursery. "The Mushroom Farm is one of Hillcrest's hidden gems, offering something for everyone - from kiddies to moms, antique collectors, animal lovers, foodies, gardeners and everyone in between! Family owned and run, this farm has literally 'mushroomed', from a small wooden farm stall to the vibrant centre it is today, drawing visitors from the greater Durban Area. Just off the M13 and around the corner from the Hillcrest Private Hospital." The Mushroom Farm must surely be the most relaxed shopping experience in the Upper Highway area, with country charm that harks back to the days when the Assegai was quickly tucked away, off the beaten track!"

The Mushroom Farm site is located on the old working 'Chef Mushroom Farm'. It comprises different but very unique shops that cater to both; residents of the surrounding areas. This site also 'caters' for those who enjoy shopping amongst the chickens and rabbits. There is a farm yard and jungle gym, so come and enjoy a fun day out with the whole family! Dog walkers are welcome provided that their pooches are on a leash, and the neatly paved walkways are perfect for strollers or joggers. (Entrance is free and there are Security Guards to ensure safety at all times.)

Mushroom farming remains relatively small, in South Africa. This is despite the rise in popularity of mushrooms among South African consumers. This demand is expected to grow in the coming Years. There is a huge market when it comes to mushrooms in South Africa and the rest of the World. There are a number of reasons for this, including the growing demand for healthy foods, as well as an increase in commercial production and distribution of mushrooms.
According to the South African Mushroom Farmers’ Association, mainly white button and brown mushrooms are grown in South Africa. There is also a market for exotic mushrooms, such as Oyster and Shiitake, and medicinal mushrooms, however, these are still very limited in South Africa. 
One notable advantage for commercial mushroom farmers is the ability to not only sell their produce directly to customers, but also capitalize on opportunities in the Hospitality Sector going from; catering to Hotels and Restaurants.

"The sector is, however, not without its challenges. Mushroom farming requires specialized knowledge and expertise. The lack of training for South African mushroom farmers is significant limitation for people who want to enter this industry." according to 'Agrimag.'

Along the Western shores of South Africa there are many myriad fishing Villages which lie sleepily on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. While Paternoster (pronounced /ˌpɑːtɜːrˈnɒstɜːr/) is one of the oldest fishing Villages, on the West Coast of South Africa.

Dwarskersbos Beach Resort is a quant little quite spot, on the West Coast of South Africa. Where there is camping and self catering chalets right on the beach. Whether you enjoy a long stroll on the beach or reading a book, bird watching or fishing , you are sure to have a great family holiday! This small fishing hub is just 11 Kilometres North of Laaiplek and about two hours outside of Cape Town. The name is said to be derived from the name of the plant: 'Euclea polyandra of the genus Euclea' Dwarskers or Kersbos( the Afrikaans name), grow abundantly in the Region.

The Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama first set foot on South African soil on 7 November 1497. This was near here, when he explored the present day St Helena Bay. The Town was established on the Farm- “Dwarskersbos”, that belonged to the Smit family in 1920.

A 6m high storm surge struck Dwarskersbos on 27 August 1969. This part of the Coast, is made even more exquisite for the Kilometres of white sandy Beaches that lace the Coast. Fishermen can be seen casting and reeling in for hours in the hopes of bringing home an admirable catch. Keen anglers can look forward to adding: 'Galjoen, Snoek, Bronze Bream (hottentot), Elf (shad), Cob, Eagle Ray, Steenbras, Gurnard, Grey Mullet, and White Stumpnose to their 'Catch'.

The West Coast has a number of guest houses and B&B’s available to its South African and International Visitors. In addition, Dwarskersbos is home to a popular caravan park, which is occupied all year round by regulars and first-timers, to this part of South Africa. The shaded caravan stands, good ablutions, bungalows and flats, and stunning views of the ocean make this an excellent choice for families looking for a scenic spot to enjoy their time off. Thanks to the breath-taking Beaches, Dwarskersbos is a hotspot for Water Sports of all kinds. Those who have a passion for the water can go fishing, surfing, stand-up paddling (SUP), kite surfing, hydro-foiling, kayaking, body boarding, and swimming. The local Dolphins often swim past and entertain the onlookers as they surf the waves and leap out of the water playfully. Then, between July and December, Whales frolic past too. This only adds to there outrageous behaviour for the benifit of the onlookers, as they breach and lobtail.

The Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve is the first South African Biosphere Reserve, and is situated in the Western Cape Province, about 40 km from Cape Town. It covers 103,629 hectares, more than 80% of which consists of Mountainous Landscape ranging from high Mountain Peaks and deep Valleys to gentle Hills and lower Mountain Slopes. The remaining Area comprises a gently rolling Coastal Plain and a Marine Area, which covers about 245 Square Kilometers. The Coastline is mostly rocky with sandy Beaches and Estuaries. The main economic activities in the Area are apple farming and commercial Pine Plantations. Tourism, specifically  Eco-Tourism. (This has the potential to become a major economic activity with some 60,000 people visiting the area during the holiday season!)

Dwarskersbos and its surrounding Areas are also stunning spots for keen bird-watchers. There are more than 180 species, in the Rocherpan Nature Reserve alone! This is only 10 kilometres from the centre of this Town. Some of the most exciting of these species include: the African Hoopoe; Black-Winged Stilt; African Purple Swamp Hen; Black-Headed Heron; Black-Crowned Night Heron; Sandwich Tern; Greater Flamingo and Cape Shoveler.

"Community Engagement at the University of Zululand is rooted within the African philosophy of Ubuntu which is guided by the principles of reciprocity, mutuality, social justice and humanity. As a scholarly project Community Engagement, at UNIZULU- focuses on enhancing African values and principles to redress previous social inequalities and encourage social justice through curriculum, research and service."

A timeline of the University of Zululand. Where the Teaching and Learning and Centre(TLC), comprises four units to drive the teaching and learning agenda of the University, namely: Teaching with Technology; the Academic Staff Development Office (ASDO);the Student Academic Development Office (SADO) and Curriculum development.

TIMELINE: 
1960: The University College of Zululand is established as a constituent college academically affiliated to the University of South Africa. The first intake of 41 students includes five females. Professor PAW Cook is appointed as the first Rector. From humble beginnings, the institution has dramatically evolved to a fully-fledged university, equal to any of the centres of higher learning in South Africa.
1961: The University is officially opened on 8 March at a ceremony attended by 280 dignitaries, including tribal chiefs as well as diplomats from Switzerland, Brazil and Austria.
1963: The first graduation ceremony takes place.
1964: Prof. JA Maré appointed as the second Rector.
1970: University status is granted to University College of Zululand.
1971: Dr. TF Muller is appointed as the first Chancellor. The University’s coat of arms is officially introduced.
1977: Prof. AC Nkabinde becomes the first Black Rector.
1979: Dr. MG Buthelezi is installed as the first black Chancellor. The Durban-Umlazi Extramural Division is established to serve the needs of the surrounding community. Prof. AM Nzimande is appointed as its first campus Director.
1980: Election of the first Student Representative Council as well as the opening of the King Bhekuzulu Hall currently located at the KwaDlangezwa Campus.
1981: The Cecil Renaud Extramural Division is established at the main campus to accommodate after-hours students. The Department of Nursing Science is also established.
1982: The University of Zululand Foundation, administered by a Board of Governors, is established to oversee the University’s fundraising and investment operations.
1983: A farm of 2500 hectares is acquired in the Ntambanana area for the establishment of a Department of Agriculture. A Centre for Business starts functioning. Approval is obtained for the establishment of departments of Hydrology and Mathematical Statistics. Dr M Brindley becomes the first white student to obtain a doctorate (special concession).
1984: The University Council is granted autonomy with regard to practically all matters relating to the disbursement of the annual subsidy, provision of facilities, the determination of the establishment and the employment of staff.
1985: The Science Centre and the research unit for New Religious Movements and Churches (NERMIC) are established.
1986: The University of Zululand is opened to all races. First Honorary Doctorate awarded to Rev. Enos ZK Sikhakhane.
1987: The new library building is completed. The Centre for Legal Services is also established.
1988: Departments of Agriculture, Engineering, Human Movement Science and the Institute for Education and Human Development are established.
1993: Strong links are forged internationally. The research and training farm becomes operational.
1994: Prof CRM Dlamini becomes the fourth Rector. An honorary doctorate degree is conferred upon His Majesty, King Goodwill Zwelithini at a ceremony attended by the then State President, Nelson Mandela. The UZNET computer network is established at the main campus.
1995: Honorary Law Doctorate conferred on Deputy-President FW de Klerk.
2000: The Hewlett-Packard Computer Academy is inaugurated.
2001: The new modular academic system is introduced. Then Deputy President Dr. JG Zuma is installed as the University’s third Chancellor. An Honorary Doctorate is conferred on then Deputy-President Dr. JG Zuma.
2002: The University of Zululand is declared as the only institution of higher education north of the uThukela River and, henceforth, includes outcomes-based programes in its curriculum. The University experiences an increased intake of students from other parts of Africa, especially from Namibia, Nigeria, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland.
Standardised assessment tests (SATs) are administered for the first time in order to assess first-year students in English, Mathematics and Science, so that students at risk in     these subjects can be assisted to improve their skills through participation in appropriate enrichment programes. The Overarching Reconfiguration Committee (ORC) is  established to represent all stakeholder groupings on campus as well as local businesses so as to generate policies and principles to facilitate the goal of reconfiguring the University into a comprehensive institution as decreed by the Department of Education in May 2002.

A five-year Strategic Plan is inaugurated.

2003: Prof. RV Gumbi becomes the University’s first black female Rector and Vice-Chancellor. She is the fifth Rector appointed since 1960.
Effective measures are introduced to turn around the University’s poor financial record and to redeem an overdraft of over R46-million within a three-year period.
Launch of the South African-Norway Tertiary Education Development Programe (SANTED) – a major capacity-building project to meet the needs of the restructuring process. The Quality Promotion Assurance (QPA) Unit is launched to promote quality in teaching, learning and research by means of practical support, provision of advice and policy development.

2004 : The chair for the Centre for Integrated Rural Development (CIRD) is launched – partnership between Kumba Resources and the University of Zululand.
2005 : The former six faculties (Arts, Education, Science and Agriculture, Law, Commerce and Administration as well as Theology and Religion Studies) merge to become four Faculties, namely Arts, Education, Commerce, Administration and Law as well as Science and Agriculture.
The University celebrates its 45th anniversary.

UNIZULU launches its internal Organisational Development Plan (ODP) and major turn-around achievements are recorded.

2006:Replacement of UNIZULU’s old computer system with a state-of-the-art ITS computer infrastructure worth R32,9 million.
A new Department of Quality Assurance is established and a Director, Prof. G. Kistan, is appointed.

2007 : Four Executive Deans are appointed in the four faculties, namely, Prof. Nomahlubi Makunga in the Faculty of Arts Prof. Sitwala Imenda in the Faculty of Education, Prof. Ramesh Ori in the Faculty of Science and Agriculture, and Prof van den Bergh in the Faculty of Commerce, Administration and Law.
The construction of new R160 million off-campus building commences in the central business district of Richards Bay.
GIJIMA (Change Management Project) is inaugurated to ensure the implementation of operational changes in a systematic and controlled fashion.
New student residences are completed to house 368 occupants. The University, with co-host Jackson State University, US, hosts the first-ever Global-World HIV/AIDS Alliance conference (GHAA) in Africa which was attended by delegates from 25 global countries. UNIZULU’s Chemistry Department and the International Centre for Materials Research, the University of California and Jackson State University, host an International Nanotechnology Conference with 1996 Nobel Laureate and initiator of the nanotechnology revolution, Sir Harry Kroto, as Chairman.

2008: The then Minister of Education, Ms. Naledi Pandor, and UNIZULU’s then Chancellor Dr. JG Zuma, commission the construction of new residences at the main campus and officiate the construction of a new campus at Richards Bay.
Preparations commence for the Institutional Audit by the Department of Education in October 2008.
2009: UNIZULU, together with the Department of Economic Department, co-hosts the First International Co-operative Conference in February.
The Richards Bay Campus is launched in October 2009.

2010:Prof. F Mazibuko becomes the University’s second black female Rector and Vice-Chancellor. She is the sixth Rector appointed since 1960. 
2016:The internationally acclaimed UNIZULU SCIENCE CENTRE turned 30 years and Professor Mtose is appointed as the Vice-Chancellor.
April 2018: was a day of mass celebration and ululation at the University of Zululand as it inaugurated and swore in its new Chancellor, Deputy Chief Justice of South Africa, Raymond Mnyamezeli Mlungisi Zondo, at its iconic King Bhekuzulu Hall, KwaDlangezwa Campus.
2018: King Goodwill Zwelithini received an Honorary Doctorate in Social Work for his far reaching vision and vital contribution in combating social ills amongst the Youth and the Society at large.
2018: UNIZULU B Com (Accounting Science) Accreditation students are eligible to study for their postgraduate degree (known as CTA, or equivalent) without needing to complete a bridging course or programe at a university that offers such SAICA-accredited programes.
2019: The University of Zululand Choir is appointed as TB Ambassadors by the Deputy Minister of South Africa: Mr. DD Mabuza donated a bus to them.
2020: UNIZULU celebrates its 60th Celebration and 6 Honorary Doctorates awarded to Criselda Kananda; Dr. Pali Lehohla; Lindelani Mkhize ; Sam M Phillips; Professor Busi Bhengu and Tumelo MW.
2020: UNIZULU receives accreditation to offer Engineering qualifications as from 2021 namely Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering and Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering.

The University of Zululand (UNIZULU) is thrilled to announce the recent appointment of Professor Vuyokazi Nomlomo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC) for Teaching and Learning.
Prof. Nomlomo has been in the higher education sector for 22 years. She has moved through the academic and management ranks holding positions such as head of department, deputy dean (teaching and learning) and dean in her previous place of work.

The University of Pretoria (UP) was established in 1908 with just four professors and 32 students, in a little house called: 'Kya Rosa'. Today, it is one of the largest research Universities, in Southern Africa. 
The foundational Years of the University of Pretoria were welcomed with great turmoil. In 1889, the Zuid Afrikaansche Republiek (ZAR) proposed that a University be established.

By 1899, the South African War had broken out between the ZAR and Britain. In 1902, after the Peace of Vereeniging was signed, there was a time period of relative stability which allowed the first semblance of a University, to open its doors in 1908. In 1910 the Union of South Africa was declared and in 1914, the First World War broke out with the Great Depression of 1929, further complicating the fledgling Years of the University of Pretoria.

The Pretoria branch of the Transvaal University College (TUC) was the forerunner of the University of Pretoria. It commenced its activities in 1908 with a staff of four professors and three lecturers. Thirty-two students enrolled for courses at the first campus, Kya Rosa, a House in the centre of the Pretoria. The University of Pretoria became a fully fledged University in 1930. The name 'Tuks'- for the University of Pretoria- derived from the acronym for the College, namely - Transvaal University College.  

In the Years preceding the South African War (1899-1902) there was much discussion in the Volksraad of the ZAR, regarding the establishment of a University. These plans were interrupted by the outbreak of the War. In 1902 the Normal College for the training of teachers was established in Pretoria and in 1904 the 'Transvaal Technical Institute' opened in Johannesburg with an emphasis on Mining Education. Classes were also offered by the institute in Pretoria. In 1906 the institute adopted a new name: 'the Transvaal University College' (TUC). In 1908, University classes began in Pretoria in the Arts and Sciences as part of the Transvaal University College with its seat in Johannesburg. The first four professors were Prof H. Th. Reinink (Dutch), J. Purves (Scottish), A.C. Paterson (Scottish) and D.F. du Toit Malherbe (South African). On 10 February 1908 32 students began with classes in Kya Rosa, a house in Skinner Street and on 4 March 1908 the Transvaal University College (TUC) became
known officially as the Pretoria Centre of the Transvaal University College. Kya Lami, in Schoeman Street was used as a men’s residence for students and lecturers.

On 17 May 1910, the TUC in Pretoria became an independent institution apart from the Johannesburg institute, which became known as 'the South African School of Mines and Technology'. The TUC acquired its own campus in the East of Pretoria. The cornerstone of the Old Arts Building was laid by Governor General Gladstone on 3 August 1910 and in September 1911 the TUC moved into the Old Arts and the Old Chemistry buildings. There were 7 professors, 6 lecturers and 62 students.         

In 1914, the College Men’s Residence was built. Then in 1917 the establishment of the Faculties of Agriculture and Theology. In 1918, the establishment of the Faculty of Law followed in 1919, with the Faculties of Arts; Natural Sciences; Trade and Public Administration and Veterinary Science.
In 1920, the TUC acquired the Experimental Farm and in 1926 the first official Ladies Residence-'die Fant' (today 'Vergeet-my-nie') was constructed.         

Many student activities originated in the founding Years. The first Student Council was founded in 1909. 'Rag' started in the early 1920's and the first Rag Queen was crowned in 1929.  With sport facilities on the Hatfield Campus (where the Musaion and Aula are today), students could participate in various kinds of sport such as; rugby, netball, hockey and tennis. 

- Authored by the UP Archives