About Secunda

Secunda, on the Mpumalanga Highveld, exists because of Sasol: it was purpose-built in the 1970s around the company's coal-to-liquid synthetic fuel plant, and remains one of the only places in the world where petrol and diesel are manufactured at scale from coal rather than crude oil, using the Fischer-Tropsch process. The town's name, Latin for "second," followed Sasolburg as Sasol's second major production site, and Secunda's skyline is still dominated by the refinery's towers and flare stacks. Built on Highveld coal reserves, the town developed rapidly as a company town for Sasol employees and remains closely tied to the fortunes of the coal and synfuels industry, a dependence now under pressure as Sasol works to decarbonise. Despite its industrial roots, Secunda has grown into a regional commercial hub for the surrounding Govan Mbeki Municipality, with theatres, casinos and stadiums serving the wider community.

Secunda's events season opens with Secunda Rugby Fan Park - Rugby's Greatest Rivalry drawing crowds to the Secunda Airfield through late August. Dance fans can catch Balletopia at the Kruik Theatre Secunda the same weekend, while families enjoy Secunda Family Fun Day Colour Plash at Lilian Ngoyi Stadium in early September. Food and wine lovers should mark October for Unwined - Food & Wine Show - Secunda - 24 October 2026, and the year winds down with Mpumalanga Pride at Secunda Stadium in late November.