Sasolburg is situated in the northernmost corner of the Free State Province on the southern banks of the Vaal river, and forms part of the Vaal Triangle (Vanderbijlpark, Vereeniging and Sasolburg regions).
The town owes its existence to the petro-chemical industry. Its refinery is one of the only two viable coal-derived oil refineries in the world. The town was established in the early 1950's in order to provide housing and facilities for SASOL (South African Coal, Oil & Gas) employees.
The Local Municipality of Metsimaholo includes the towns of Sasolburg, Zamdela, Deneysville & Oranjeville as well as the surrounding rural areas.
The area lies at an altitude of approximately 1500 meters above sea level. The average annual rainfall is 638 mm while the average maximum summer temperature is 26.9C and the average minimum winter temperature is 16C.
The combined population of Sasolburg & Zamdela is approximately 141 000 people.
