Whats in Secunda?

[dysan1]

Our new forumer JaiSec has spurred me to create this thread. As most of you know he is moving back from london to secunda when he returns to SA. My question you jaisec and to other forumers that know a bit about secunda is: What is the attraction of the place? Cos the only thing that comes to mind for me is industry and nothingness. I'd like to hear from those that know the place. Cos i'm struggling to understand the swop of london for secunda.

I mean this all in a non attacking way. I'm just trying to understand and maybe learn something.

[Durbsboi]

Grace Land Hotel, Casino & Golf Resort



www.graceland.co.za

lol, who knew, Secunda got their own website.

www.secunda.co.za

[dysan1]

oh ya that place...funny name tho. the design must stand out in the area! love the hot line up of cars.. one of urs db?

[Durbsboi]

The green Ford Seirra, supastylin!

[JaiSec]

Okay, so Secunda might not be everybody’s cup of tea (or pint of Castle Draught) but I love it & most people who live there love it to. Secunda is only 30 years old. Before Sasol decided to build plants 2 & 3 on the sight that is now the SASOL Synthetic Fuel Production Plant the area was nothing more than a very large piece of nothingness. Within five years a fully functioning, self sufficient town had sprung up around the complex. Secunda is now the principal town of the Govan Mbeki Municipality (A.K.A. Cosmos Country) which has a population of 500 000. The majority of the population is involved in mining. As you can see the history of Sasol & Secunda are one in the same. Here are a few facts about Secunda:

- It is the only place in the world where petrol is made out of coal on a commercial basis
- Sasol Synfuel at Secunda as the biggest factory site in the world
- The smokestack at plant 3 is the tallest free-standing structure in Africa (301m)
- The four Sasol Coal Mines form the biggest underground coal mining complex in the world
- This is the only area in the world where coal and gold are mined at the same place at the same time
- Graceland was the first casino in the “new South Africa” to receive a gambling license
- Sasol contributes 4% to South Africa’s GDP

The pride that the people of Secunda have is the knowledge that no one else on the entire planet does what we do (turn coal into petrol). I know it might seem strange to you guys but we all feel very much a part of that process but it is not just the industry that makes Secunda special. Its the people from all over the world who come to settle there, its the wide open spaces, quiet weekends, Highveld sunsets, the braai at the dam, the wildlife, the quality of life & the fact that I only needed to drive 5 minutes to get to work (over here I have to stand on an overcrowded train with my face stuffed into somebody's armpit for an hour). I miss my home & I can't wait to leave the chaos that is London behind & return to where I belong.

[JaiSec]

Originally Posted by dysan1

Our new forumer JaiSec has spurred me to create this thread. As most of you know he is moving back from london to secunda when he returns to SA. My question you jaisec and to other forumers that know a bit about secunda is: What is the attraction of the place? Cos the only thing that comes to mind for me is industry and nothingness. I'd like to hear from those that know the place. Cos i'm struggling to understand the swop of london for secunda.

I mean this all in a non attacking way. I'm just trying to understand and maybe learn something.

I never actually answered the question did I? This is what’s in Secunda & the surrounding towns:

GRACELAND HOTEL CASINO & COUNTRY CLUB

- Gary player designed 18 hole Golf course
- Beautifully decorated Augusta Lounge with live entertainment
- The elegant Blue Bayou Restaurant to Wine and dine
- The informal and diverse American Café,
- The relaxing Palm Terrace that overlooks the pool area

Graceland is also the ideal venue for conventions, banquets, product launches, conferences, seminars and other special events.

Other activities include swimming, tennis, gym, bodyworx, 284 machines in the casino.





SECUNDA STADIUM

This is the only modern international stadium in the Southern Highveld. It has top of the art, flood lighting, tartan track and a grandstand seating of 30 000 spectators and 8 000 spectators on the grass banks surrounding the field.

Some of the highlights have been the Senior South African Athletic championships held in 1994, the performance of Ockert Brits breaking the South African and African record, the participation of long distance runner Zola Budd & it has even played host to the Springboks.




JOHANNES STEGMAN THEATRE - HOME OF THE PERFORMING ARTS

Johannes Stegmann theatre, home of the performing arts is an architectural beacon in the Southern highveld of Mpumalanga. It serves as a cultural home for top performers and caters to national and international artists.

The facility with its professional lighting and sound installation is indeed suitable for shows of international standards.




Lake Umuzi

This is one of Secunda’s latest developments. This commercial and entertainment centre houses many restaurants, shops, the Aqua Zone, indoor cricket, a bowling alley, a theater, kids care centre, salons and all other exciting stores. Come and dine in one of our restaurants and experience the beauty of our town sitting by the lake watching people boating and enjoying themselves. It has an arts and crafts market every Saturday. Children play volleyball on silver sands on the lake front while parents have a brunch.

Small shops will exquisite local and imported arts are displayed. It has a small theatre to cater for formal functions or casual parties.

Special occasions such as new year eve is celebrated by the community with fireworks displays. Ideal for a family outing. Other activities include canoeing, scrap book workshops etc.




KINROSS GOLF COURSE

The course consists of good and very challenging nine holes. A very attractive and modern club house waits for course players after a long and tiring day where they can enjoy a quick "fix-me-up" at the splendid bar facilities.

The atmosphere is not only relaxing and enjoyable, but also lively and hospitable. Pub lunches are available daily at excellent prices.





BETHAL DAM HOLIDAY RESORT

The resort has a conference hall, camping site and a braai area.

On the dam, water sports such as fishing, canoeing, wind surfing, skiing, and boating can be enjoyed by all.

Many sunny and fun filled hours can be enjoyed at the swimming pool and super tube whilst socializing around the braai.





BETHAL MUSEUM

Bethal museum is the Municipal Heritage site, which has the most information about the area.

Prominent figures like Mr Gert Sibande spent their lives at Emzinoni, during the Anglo-Boer war.

The museum is mostly visited by local schools learners and visitors to get a sense of our history.





SECUNDA AIRFIELD

The Secunda Airfield is a quite modern and is extensively used by Sasol and private owned aircraft. There is an active flying club which presents training facilities for prospective pilots.

The runway, 1100mx18m, consist of compact tarmac surface and caters for night flying as well.

Sasol Tigers jets are hangered here.




CASPER BREEDT CENTRE

This modern complex with well-equipped kitchen facilities consists of 11 halls which can be used for a variety of social functions and indoor sport activities. There are modern conference facilities catering for groups for 600 people.

The indoor sport facilities include 4x badminton courts, a netball court, basketball and volley ball courts. A fully equipped ballet hall with mirrors and barres is available.

Also available braai facilities for functions.



WALKER PARK GOLF COURSE

Situated in Evander, also a user friendly and provides a lovely golfing experience.


Festivals:

POTATO FESTIVAL: our famous potato festival is held annually mid-April, in Bethal. This is where talent of different diverse cultures is showcased and promoted.

SEJACUFE: the Secunda Jazz and Cultural Festival is held annually in February, last weekend. The festival boasts to market and promote the town of Secunda to the nearby provinces. The main aim is to showcase local talent, alleviate poverty, and create jobs as well as networking national artists with our local developing artists to ensure growth in jazz.

Then of course there is the Sasol complex. This is a city in itself with its own water purification plant, power station, petrol stations, fire brigade, police station, traffic police, street names, accommodation, game park, office buildings & 'skyscrapers'.

These are our 'skyscrapers':















[IMG]http://img-x.******************/4/1238104.jpg[/IMG]


This is all I managed to find on the web but once I get back I will take some proper pics. Believe me when I say that the view of the complex at night from the lake is absolutely amazing. It really does look like a city with all it's 'skyscrapers' lit up. The smokestacks can be seen all the way from Standerton which is 60 km's away & the flames from the flares light up the night sky, it is truly an awesome sight.

[SA BOY]

potatoe festival, gotta see that

[Durbsboi]

Its in Bethal, I've been to it before, (mums sister should live in Bethal) Its different, shit load of aartapels!!! I had the baked potatoe from this 1 stand with special garlic & cheese sauce, good god it was nice.

My dads friend also owns a chips factory in Bethal.

Jai, when I was last there, I stayed at this lodge which is a few meter's away from Graceland. It was lovely 2 level shaleys over looking some dam or river.

Also Jai can you give more info on that mother size conveyor that running through Mpumalanga?

[romanSA]

Thanks for all that info, Jai. That must have taken a lot of time and is much appreciated. I can see you're a proud Secundate (how do people from there refer to themselves??) I am now much more informed about Secunda than I ever was!

[kulani]

Originally Posted by JaiSec;

Okay, so Secunda might not be everybody’s cup of tea (or pint of Castle Draught) but I love it & most people who live there love it to. Secunda is only 30 years old. Before Sasol decided to build plants 2 & 3 on the sight that is now the SASOL Synthetic Fuel Production Plant the area was nothing more than a very large piece of nothingness. Within five years a fully functioning, self sufficient town had sprung up around the complex. Secunda is now the principal town of the Govan Mbeki Municipality (A.K.A. Cosmos Country) which has a population of 500 000. The majority of the population is involved in mining. As you can see the history of Sasol & Secunda are one in the same. Here are a few facts about Secunda:

- It is the only place in the world where petrol is made out of coal on a commercial basis
- Sasol Synfuel at Secunda as the biggest factory site in the world
- The smokestack at plant 3 is the tallest free-standing structure in Africa (301m)
- The four Sasol Coal Mines form the biggest underground coal mining complex in the world
- This is the only area in the world where coal and gold are mined at the same place at the same time
- Graceland was the first casino in the “new South Africa” to receive a gambling license
- Sasol contributes 4% to South Africa’s GDP

The pride that the people of Secunda have is the knowledge that no one else on the entire planet does what we do (turn coal into petrol). I know it might seem strange to you guys but we all feel very much a part of that process but it is not just the industry that makes Secunda special. Its the people from all over the world who come to settle there, its the wide open spaces, quiet weekends, Highveld sunsets, the braai at the dam, the wildlife, the quality of life & the fact that I only needed to drive 5 minutes to get to work (over here I have to stand on an overcrowded train with my face stuffed into somebody's armpit for an hour). I miss my home & I can't wait to leave the chaos that is London behind & return to where I belong.

I feel you man. I know what its like to miss home and all the beautiful little things. By the way, South Africa despite not having any significant oil deposits, produces 50% of its oil needs while it imports the other 50% primarily from Iran and Saudi Arabia. Most of that 50% comes from SASOL and PetroSA and is from its gas-to-liquid (GTL) and coal-to-liquid(CTL) plants including those at Secunda. So many of us might not realize how important a small town like Secunda is to our very own survival and comfortable lifestyle driving in luxurious SUVs. LOL

Note: SASOL has become a world renowned leader in the provision of technology for GTL and CTL plants world wide and recently opened a GTL plant in Qatar while new ones are planned for Nigeria. It uses a refined Fischer Tropsch process which was perfected during the apartheid days when South Africa suffered under sanctions and had to find new ways to sustain its energy needs.