The historic Drill Hall in Joburg's city centre, once a site of profound historical significance and later a manufacturing hub, is now being vibrantly transformed through art installations and lush greenery. Situated on Twist Street, this building, initially built in 1904, is being brought to life by a collective of artists who are dedicating themselves to its revitalization.

The Drill Hall carries a weighty past, having been constructed on the grounds of a former "non-whites" prison. Its most infamous chapter unfolded in 1956 when it served as the venue for the Treason Trial, where 156 individuals, including the iconic Nelson Mandela, were arrested and faced accusations of treason. Following this period, the building transitioned into a prosthetic limb factory. However, over time, the structure fell into severe disrepair, becoming occupied by homeless individuals and suffering two fatal fires, highlighting its neglected state.

In an effort to revitalize the landmark, the Johannesburg Development Agency undertook a renovation in 2004, investing R10-million to establish an open, public, and cultural space within the inner city. Despite this significant investment, the building remains under the ownership of a department, not having been transferred to the municipality. According to Lucky Sindane, spokesperson for the Johannesburg Property Company, no city department or entity has expressed interest in utilizing the building, leaving its future ownership status in limbo and currently without any transfer negotiations.

For several years, the artists' organisation Keleketla! successfully operated from the Drill Hall, delivering a series of cultural programmes that engaged both artists and children from the inner city. However, their tenure concluded in 2015 when they were compelled to vacate the premises, citing pressing health and safety concerns. Ten years later, in 2025, Keleketla! reiterated their reasons for leaving the Drill Hall.

Today, the Drill Hall is experiencing a renaissance thanks to artists like Kganyapa Kganyapa and the group Exotically Divine Pulse. They have taken it upon themselves to infuse the abandoned heritage building with life, converting it into a thriving green space. This transformation involves planting rows of fruit trees along the boundary wall facing the busy Noord Taxi rank in Hillbrow and adorning the corridors with pineapples grown from repurposed plastic bottles and brightly coloured artworks crafted from recycled materials.

Paying profound homage to the building's layered history, artists have thoughtfully positioned a row of mannequin legs near the entrance, from which plants symbolically sprout. This particular installation, as explained by Kganyapa Kganyapa, who also serves as a custodian of the building, was inspired by the sight of women awaiting taxis, connecting the past industries with contemporary urban life.

Kganyapa emphasizes the deeper meaning behind these initiatives, stating, "We view planting trees and the creations that follow as a form of activism. To protect and reclaim this space from being hijacked." He adds that these efforts are also about healing, noting, "Lots of unfortunate events happened in this building so we are planting everywhere to give the walls a chance to breathe. This building is in need of healing."

The Drill Hall currently accommodates a diverse community, housing artists, homeless people, and waste recyclers. Kganyapa acknowledges the delicate balance required to manage this space, striving to "respect everyone and ensure that the building remains what it was set out to be," while also addressing the humanitarian aspect of not wanting people to sleep on the street. This navigation underscores the complex social dynamics at play within the revitalized structure.

Among those making the Drill Hall their creative home is artist David Gara, who crafts all his art, predominantly model ships, from recycled materials. Gara, whose work was a highlight at the Brixton Light Festival in 2023, sleeps on a small mattress on the balcony floor of the Drill Hall. Despite the challenges, particularly the cold winters, he expresses gratitude for the opportunity to work and earn a living.

Ayanda Dludla, another artist from Exotically Divine Pulse, articulates a hopeful vision for the building's future: "There is a lot of potential in this space. We just need the people who are responsible for the building to come to the table and work with us to create something that can serve as a cultural hub in the inner city." This statement encapsulates the collective aspiration for the Drill Hall to evolve into a recognized and supported cultural epicenter.