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