Built in the 1970s/80's for Sasol's second and third CTL plants, its name means: "second" in Latin, referring to its status as the second refinery after Sasolburg. This industry dominates the area with Sasol's facilities, producing synthetic fuels, diesel, and chemicals from coal, making South Africa less reliant on imported oil. Built around vast coalfields and home to the massive Sasol coal-to-liquids (CTL) plants, making it a major producer of synthetic fuels and petrochemicals, known for its industrial landscape but also offering recreational spots like Lake Umuzi and outdoor activities, while also facing environmental scrutiny as a large emitter.
A significant population lives in the town and the nearby township of: 'eMbalenhle', growing with Sasol's expansions. This township was established in the 1970's near Secunda to house Black workers for industries like Sasol, meaning "beautiful flower," and is part of the Govan Mbeki, Municipality, known for its proximity to the Synfuels plant and associated air quality issues, but also benefiting from Sasol housing. It faces service delivery challenges, including ongoing sewage problems, despite municipal efforts and court orders.
Known as one of the world's largest single-site emitters of greenhouse gases due to the CTL operations. Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are atmospheric gases like carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and water vapor that trap heat from the sun, warming the Earth through the greenhouse effect. While essential for life, human activities such as burning fossil fuels increase these gases, intensifying the effect and causing global warming, with industrial fluorinated gases also contributing. The highest structure in Secunda is the 301 metre high chimney at the Sasol Three plant (as shown in photo). The chimney is an Eskom type chimney comprising four 301 metre high refractory brick lined concrete flues of 4.6 metre diameter each. The windshield is 292 metres high with an internal diameter of 26 metres. The chimney was constructed by Concrete as part of a contract to construct the Sasol Three steam plants with 'Hochtief'. The foundations of the chimney comprised vertical and raked piles. "This chimney actually happens to be one of the tallest free-standing structures in the Southern Hemisphere and is quite a sight"
In essence, Secunda is a town defined by its massive energy industry, balancing industrial importance with growing community amenities and environmental challenges. For example: 'Lake Umuzi Waterfront', which offers a variety of restaurants; mini-golf (Rocky Waters), and family entertainment. Then there are outdoor activities like hiking trails, 4x4 trails (Buffalo Gorge), and the Nomoya Masilela Museum. Nomoya Christina Masilela was born on 14 August 1968 in eMzinoni Township in the Gert Sibande Region. She was an active member of COSAS and SAYCO and was the first victim to be killed while still at Mzinoni High School (Bethal).
"Secunda Mall provides a retail experiences."
