Secunda theatre refurbishment resumes after delay
The project is expected to restore one of Secunda’s key cultural and performing arts facilities.
The rehabilitation of the Johannes Stegmann Theatre in Secunda is set to resume following assessments by the Mpumalanga Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport (DPWRT).
The project is expected to restore one of Secunda’s key cultural and performing arts facilities, which has served the community for nearly four decades.
According to the Govan Mbeki Municipality, the theatre was constructed by Sasol in 1985 and handed over to the local authority in August 1986. It was named after former Sasol chairman and businessman Johannes Augustus Stegmann.
Over the years, the facility has primarily operated as a performance theatre and has played an important role in promoting arts and culture in the Govan Mbeki Municipality and surrounding communities.
However, the building has deteriorated significantly, with major components such as the roof, electrical, mechanical and plumbing systems requiring extensive repairs.
Roof leaks, stormwater ingress and flooding have caused damage to parts of the building, including interior areas and basement plant rooms.
In August 2025, the Mpumalanga Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation (DCSR) approached the DPWRT to assist with implementing the refurbishment project.
The DPWRT subsequently conducted a preliminary assessment of the facility, with a multidisciplinary professional team examining the building and identifying priority areas requiring intervention.
The municipality said the rehabilitation would be implemented in phases due to budget considerations. The initial priority work includes waterproofing the concrete roofs to address water leaks and improving stormwater management around the building.
The project also includes the refurbishment of public ablution facilities, dressing rooms and related areas.
Subject to the availability of funding, further phases will include the repair and replacement of electrical and mechanical services needed to restore the theatre’s technical functionality.
Additional work identified includes painting, replacement of floor finishes and general refurbishment of the interior and exterior.
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Other interventions include renovations to the kitchen, replacement of damaged windows and doors, improvements to the auditorium, repairs to plumbing and sanitary fittings, and rehabilitation of external infrastructure.
The external work is expected to include repairs to tarred parking areas, roads and paved areas, landscaping and perimeter fencing. The overall estimated cost of the identified priority rehabilitation work is R31m.
As part of preparations for implementation, the DPWRT convened a stakeholder meeting on August 17 to introduce the appointed service providers and professional team involved in the project.
Govan Mbeki Municipality Executive Mayor Nhlakanipho Zuma welcomed the progress, saying the project should ultimately provide residents with a safe, functional and sustainable facility.
“The municipality views the rehabilitation of the Johannes Stegmann Theatre as an important investment in arts, culture and community development.
“Once completed, the project is expected to restore the facility’s functionality and provide residents with an improved venue for cultural activities, performances and community programmes,” Zuma said.
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The latest rehabilitation plans come amid a previous dispute over funding allegedly intended for the theatre’s refurbishment.
Two years ago, the DA in the Govan Mbeki Municipality called on then Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie to investigate the alleged disappearance of R3m allocated during the 2016/17 financial year for refurbishment of the Johannes Stegmann Theatre.
According to a statement issued by the DA at the time, the department had approved the municipality’s funding request and the money was subsequently allocated.
The DA alleged that the Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency (MEGA) was appointed as the implementation agency after the municipality acknowledged difficulties in maintaining the theatre to a standard suitable for local, national and international patrons.
The party said the funding request included the purchase of modern sound and lighting equipment, as well as general improvements to the theatre.
However, the municipality disputed the DA’s claims at the time.
The municipality said it welcomed an investigation by the minister, arguing that it had not received funding for the refurbishment of the theatre and had instead only received promises of funding.
With the new rehabilitation process now moving forward under the DPWRT, the municipality says the project is expected to breathe new life into the ageing facility and restore its role as a venue for artists, performers, schools and community organisations.
