At 269 m (883 ft), it was the tallest tower in Africa for 50 years, until it was surpassed in 2021 by the 393.8 m (1,292 ft) Iconic Tower in Egypt's New Administrative Capital, as well as the continent's tallest structure for eleven years, until overtaken by the Nador transmitter in Morocco; it remained Africa's tallest free-standing structure for two more years until overtaken by the chimney of the Sasol III Steam Plant in 1984.

For seven years it was also the tallest structure in the Southern Hemisphere until 1978, when surpassed by the 270 m Mount Isa Chimney in Queensland, Australia.

[1][2] The Hillbrow Tower has been closed to visitors since 1981, primarily for security reasons.

Before the closure, the Hillbrow tower was one of the largest tourist draws in Johannesburg.

[5] During the 2010 FIFA World Cup, a huge football was fitted to the tower to celebrate the event.