The town of Secunda, located 30 km west of Bethal, developed around Sasol 2 and Sasol 3 petro-chemical plants, the backbone of South Africa’s famed oil-from-coal plants in the world. The project was developed as a result of the oil crisis in 1974, and the objectives was to reduce South Africa’s dependency on the importation of crude oil. Once the terrain for the Sasol plants had been identified, Sasol Transvaal Townships Limited, a subsidiary of Sasol Limited, was instructed to develop Secunda. The first house was occupied on 1 July 1976, and on 22 June 1977 the first township was proclaimed. At this stage Secunda already had almost 7000 inhabitants. On 3 November 1975 a five member committee was formed, with the only official, the Secretary, accepting duty on 1 May 1976 – the office was two rooms in a house in Danie Theron Street. The committee increased to nine members, of whom six were named by the Administrator whilst three were elected by residents. Secunda received Town Council status on 5 November 1985. Secunda Sport Stadium was opened on 1 February 1986. An ultra modern library was taken into service. The official opening of the Johannes Stegmann Theatre took place on 6 August 1986. Today Secunda and surrounding areas boast massive cooling towers, high chimneys and steel constructions, so typical of the oil-from-coal industry. Secunda Collieries, consisting of four coal mines, produces the 35 million tons of coal used by Sasol 2 and Sasol 3 annually. They also supply a substaintial quantity of raw materials to the chemical industry. In spite of this, Secunda nevertheless maintains it’s rural atmosphere.

GENERAL INFORMATION

How to get there

Pretoria 180 km, Johannesburg via Springs 130 km

Average Temperatures

Summer 25°c; Winter 16°c

Accommodation in and around Balgowan