27/08/2026
JOHANNES STEGMANN THEATRE SET FOR MAJOR REHABILITATION AND REFURBISHMENT
Govan Mbeki Municipality welcomes progress towards the long-awaited rehabilitation and refurbishment of the Johannes Stegmann Theatre in Secunda, following assessments and planning undertaken by the Mpumalanga Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport (DPWRT).
The project marks an important step towards restoring one of Secunda’s significant cultural and performing arts facilities, which has served the community for four decades.
The Johannes Stegman Theatre was constructed by Sasol in 1985 and later handed over to the municipality in August 1986.
It was named after Johannes Augustus Stegmann, a businessman and former chairman of Sasol.
Over the years, the facility has primarily been used as a performance theatre and has played an important role in promoting arts and culture within Govan Mbeki Municipality and surrounding communities.
However, the condition of the building has deteriorated over time, with major components including the roof, electrical, mechanical and plumbing services requiring extensive attention.
Roof leaks, stormwater ingress and flooding have caused damage to sections of the building, including the interior and basement plant rooms.
In August 2025, the Mpumalanga Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation (DCSR) approached DPWRT to assist with the implementation of the theatre refurbishment project.
DPWRT subsequently conducted a preliminary assessment of the facility, with a multidisciplinary professional team examining various aspects of the building and identifying priority interventions.
The rehabilitation is expected to be implemented in phases due to budget considerations.
Priority work includes waterproofing the concrete roofs to stop water leaks and improving stormwater management around the building.
The project will also include the refurbishment of public ablution facilities, dressing rooms and related spaces.
Subject to available funding, subsequent work is expected to include repairs and replacement of electrical and mechanical services required to restore the theatre's technical functionality, as well as painting, replacement of floor finishes and general refurbishment of the interior and exterior.
Other identified 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 such as tarred parking areas, roads, paved areas, landscaping and perimeter fencing.
The overall estimated cost of the identified priority rehabilitation work is R31 million.
As part of preparations for implementation, DPWRT convened a stakeholder meeting on 17 August 2026 to introduce the appointed service providers and professional team.
The engagement was attended by, among others, the Executive Mayor, Cllr Nhlakanipho Zuma and Municipal Manager, Mr Elliot Maseko.
The Executive Mayor welcomed the progress and further highlighted the importance of ensuring that the project delivers a safe, functional and sustainable facility that will once again provide a platform for artists, performers, schools and communities.
The municipality views the rehabilitation of the Johannes Stegman 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.
The municipality will continue working with the Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation and the Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport to support the successful implementation of the project and will communicate further developments as the rehabilitation progresses.
ISSUED BY GOVAN MBEKI MUNICIPALITY
