Secunda, South Africa

Capital City

Living in Secunda is defined by its massive coal-to-liquid refineries, which dominate the landscape and soundscape. This town of 40,198 people was built from scratch in the 1970s to reduce South Africa's reliance on imported oil, and it shows. The bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with the town only granted proper municipal status in 1985. Winters can be brutally cold, with temperatures plummeting to -10°C. And while the town has grown rapidly, its remote location, 180km from Pretoria, means entertainment options are limited. Secunda is a functional, industrial town – not a picturesque tourist destination. It may suit those drawn to the energy and opportunity of South Africa's coal and petrochemical industries, but most expats would be better off seeking greener pastures.