The Big Issue

High quality, varied and entertaining content for readers across age, culture, religion, gender and other demographics. Stories include reporting on local and international happenings with a ‘bigger issue’ about an individual, and unusual news or events that impact us all. The Big Issue shares in-depth interviews with local and international celebrities, artists, change-makers and thought leaders. It also focuses on local people or organisations committed to making positive changes in society – intent on finding innovative ways to effect change.

The Big Issue

Behind the scenes • You've seen the art works our Big Issue vendors created (page 37), and we wanted to show you what goes on behind the scenes at these creative sessions hosted by Elaine Millin, our art facilitator.

Battle gloom with nature

MEET OUR VENDORS • A donation of a laptop, washing machines, building assistance, and children's clothing can go a long way for our Big Issue vendors.

Bridging the cashless divide • Empowering South Africa's informal economy with Tip4Change

Silent suffering • The stigma of mental health medication in low-income communities

67 years and 67 minutes • This past Mandela Day, as South Africa marked 67 minutes of service for every year Nelson Mandela endured imprisonment in the struggle for our freedom, Girls and Boys Town SA (GBTSA) honoured his legacy with 67 years of unwavering care for the nation's most vulnerable children.

The child bride • Mmathabo Sukati's book, The Child Bride: From Captive to Courageous – A Girl's Fight To Rewrite Her Destiny was launched in July. This is the foreword, which talks about a shocking practice still going on locally and globally.

Protect your kids online • Use these tools and talks for parenting your children and tweens in the digital age.

“I was supposed to die. I didn't.” • My story speaks directly to the heart of men's mental health and the urgent need for honest conversations around trauma, survival, and healing.

Surviving toxic leadership • Here's what to do when your boss is making you sick.

Cleaning up a dirty problem • From Waste to Wealth: Mighty House of Soap's green revolution in South Africa

I'm angry, bear with me • How does a middle-aged woman express displeasure in an increasingly dissatisfying world, without launching into the “angry Black woman” stereotype?

Seeds of change • Celebrating a decade of Garden Day, we're growing gardens together for well-being and hope.

Blooming wild • The eco-friendly Namaqua Flower Beach Camp offers travellers a novel way to see this season's wildflowers.

From the ‘blokke’ to business owner • Breaking Bread: with chefs from the Cape Flats.

DO PLAQUES CONFIRM OUR HERITAGE? • It's time to think differently about destroyed sites that were keepers of memory and intangible heritage.

The magic of animals • Let's explore the very important human-animal relationship dynamic.

SHINE YOUR LIGHT • Our Big Issue vendors enjoy creative sessions hosted by Elaine Millin, our Art Facilitator. For the July session (run by Jeffrey Lok), the theme was inspired by Nelson Mandela: each one of us can shine our own light and do small acts of kindness to uplift others. The vendors could find a symbol for their light.

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