Meet the Building Manager

When we first met Albert, we excited at the potential of working with someone with the enthusiasm he has for the potential impact that a creative space could have, not only for the space but for johannesburg in general. As a creative in his free time, he resonates with our vision and mission, Albert has been working at The Mills for three years, initially starting as an assistant before becoming deeply involved in the building’s management. Over the course of his time there, he’s watched the space evolve and has a clear vision of where he wants to take it, one that aligns perfectly with what we’re doing.

Albert showed me a variety of spaces available in the building before introducing us to the loft that would become our home base. Both options were ideal, but the loft suited our needs best, minimizing the need to move equipment around due to our modular programming. What stood out most was Albert’s openness—he was enthusiastic about us using other parts of the building and was genuinely interested in fostering a creative energy throughout the space.

“The Mills has always housed various businesses, but we’re evolving. We want to integrate more creative energy into the building, especially for young people. Right now, the space hosts offices for architects, a couple of fashion brands, and designers, but we’re looking to move in a more artistic direction. Your vision aligns perfectly with where we want to go.”

Albert has big plans for the future of The Mills. He’s keen on turning the building into a heritage space, with the aim of preserving its history while integrating it into the modern creative scene. This would not only make The Mills a cultural landmark but also attract tourists, celebrating the building’s rich past, in his words:

“The Mills has a rich history—after 1994, it was an office space for the ANC, then was abandoned before being taken over by the current company I work for (CMS MANAGement services). Now, we’re looking to honour its legacy and create a space that brings people together, fosters creativity, and educates the youth about its history.”

One of the exciting opportunities Albert mentioned was the potential of the silos near the building. Currently unused, these vast spaces have great potential for alternative programming, events, and film sets, offering a blank canvas for ambitious projects that require large environments.

“The silos are an untapped space with massive potential. With the right resources, they could become a unique film set or venue for large-scale events. The possibilities are endless.”

Additionally, Albert shared that The Mills owns a piece of public land adjacent to the building—a strip of parking space located near a variety of popular clubs. This area is often used for festivals and events, making it an ideal location for us to host future creative programs which are huge milestones for us AFFIRMING, the mills’ perfectness to house an INITIATIVE like ours.

“We also have access to a fantastic piece of land next to The Mills. It’s right next to some of the busiest nightlife spots in the city, and it’s used for festivals and events. This could be perfect for our creative endeavors, providing us with the space and visibility we need to grow.”

Co-Tenants at The Mills

The Mills is home to a diverse mix of businesses and creatives, each bringing something unique to the space. Our co-tenants include:

• Lemon Pebble Architects – Experts in the building’s historical value and collaborators in The Mills’ heritage certification.

• Uzenzele Holdings – A business focused on capital raising and clothing manufacturing.

• Khala Garb – Fashion brand DEEZUS by John Odirile, known for making waves with university students and celebrities.

• Zamaswazi Inventive Fashion – A fashion brand run by Zamaswazi Nkosi, stitching iconic outfits for celebrities like Letoya Makhene and Somizi.

• Artgang (Pty) Ltd – A set dressing company for film and media production.

• Butan / Lsj Clothing – An iconic streetwear brand endorsed by artists like SJAVA & Big Zulu.

• FDM Academy – An academy that upskills young professionals in various aspects of production.

• ICRD Group Holding – A business academy focused on entrepreneurship.

• Sizani Baloyi – A powerful visual artist known for his activism and impactful artwork.

Albert is committed to ensuring that the future of The Mills involves nurturing and supporting the creative industries that operate within it, including helping the building gain recognition as a heritage site. With the Blue Plaquecertification on the horizon, The Mills is set to become not only a space for creativity but also a significant historical landmark.

“The vision is to restore The Mills’ prestige and recognition, making it a place that people know as a cultural hub. We want this to be a space for people ‘in the know’—a place that’s buzzing with creativity, history, and opportunity.”

should we be nominated to be RECIPIENT’s of this grants, With Albert’s involvement and our vision, The Mills is on track to become a dynamic space that supports innovation, fosters creativity, and celebrates its rich history while embracing the future.