Secunda (from Latin: second, secund, secundi meaning second/following) is a town built amidst the coalfields of the Mpumalanga province of South Africa.

It was named for being the second Sasol extraction refinery producing oil from coal, after Sasolburg,[2] some 140 kilometres (87 mi) to the west.

After the site for the Sasol complex had been identified, it had to be decided whether or not to combine the existing towns of Evander and Trichardt.

Mr Etienne Prop Smith moved into Tuynhuys, the original house of the farm Goedehoop, on which Secunda was built.

One of the many refineries at the respective plants was the target of two attempted bombings by the African National Congress.

Access to schools, the Central Business District and the suburban shopping centres is made easier for pedestrians and cyclists as the green strips are free from vehicles and the distance to be travelled is shorter.

Today distinctive features of the landscape around Secunda are the massive cooling towers, high chimneys and the steel structures unique to the South-African oil-from-coal industry.

The town has approximately 40,198 inhabitants,[3] with an estimated 118,889 people living in nearby township,[4] named eMbalenhle - meaning "pretty flower".

The town has experienced significant growth in the 1990's and early 2000's due to the expansions underway at the Sasol complexes.

[5]: 302 In February 1977 Secunda's first library was opened, located in the kitchen, lounge and dining rooms of a house in Danie Theron Street.

At this time a clinic service was also introduced, with personnel of the Transvaal Council for Non-Urban areas visiting Secunda twice a week.

The Secunda Mall was opened in late 2013, hosting a Checkers Hyper, Game, a Ster-kinekor Cinema Complex, various restaurants and various other national chain stores.

Secunda is also the host town of a casino called "Graceland", a building based on the times of Elvis and American culture from that period.

On 3 November 1975, the Health Committee of Secunda was established by means of an Administrative Proclamation, to carry out the functions for local government.

On 1 December 1976, the Secretary moved to Secunda and occupied offices, consisting of two rooms in a house situated at No 4 Danie Theron Street.

Tenants include Checkers Hyper, Pick 'n Pay, Game, Woolworths, Truworths, Foschini Group and the remains of an Edgars, amongst other national chain stores and restaurants.