[1] The former synagogue building was subsequently expropriated and sold to the State for use as a Special Annex of the Supreme Court of South Africa between 1956 and 1977.

[2] State President Paul Kruger gave the land to the local Jewish community to build a synagogue.

[1] It was based on the basilican plan that was common among European synagogues, with elements of the western façade ranging from the central Gothic style stained glass rose window to alternating horizontal bands of red and white brickwork, including the arched windows' surroundings, evocative of a Moorish Revival style.

"[2] The construction was beset by a lack of financial resources and in 1906, Sammy Marks rescued the congregation by settling its mortgage on the building.

[1][2] The candelabra, cornerstone and stained glass window of the main façade of the original synagogue were transferred to the new site.

[2] Additional utility buildings were constructed for police accommodation, holding cells and witness waiting rooms.

[1] While in custody, Mandela, Sisulu, Denis Goldberg, Govan Mbeki, and Andrew Mlangeni, returned to the Old Synagogue for the hearings of the Rivonia Trial.

"[2] In 1971, Gonville ffrench-Beytagh, the Anglican Dean of Johannesburg, was tried and convicted in the building on treason and terrorism charges that were later appealed.

Madeleine Hicklin, shadow deputy minister of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, and niece of former defendant, Denis Goldberg, have called for restoration of the building.