In this issue

The Big Issue is a non-profit nongovernmental organisation (NGO) and Public Benefit Organisation (PBO) that publishes a general interest monthly magazine which focuses on the big social issues of the day. The vendors who sell the magazine are self-employed micro-retailers.

Our Social Development Programme provides vendor support including vocational, life and business skills training and guidance counselling.

The Big Issue aims to actively encourage and equip vendors to “move on” from the project into mainstream society.

The right to read

78% of Grade 4 learners in SA are unable to read with understanding. With 60% of South Africans living in households without a single book, The Big Issue has partnered with several players in early childhood learning to stem the tide of illiteracy.

5 mins

Forest Whitaker's peace ambassadors

Actor and UNESCO Special Envoy for Peace and Reconciliation, Forest Whitaker’s WPDI Youth Peacemaker Network programme is empowering Cape Flats youngsters to become agents of change and peace in their communities.

3 mins

Brian's peace mission

Already a success in South Sudan, the US, Uganda and Mexico, the WPDI programme will help to break the stronghold of gangsterism on the embattled Cape Flats. Meet the man who designed it; a professor with roots in this neighbourhood.

3 mins

Safety In The City

Crime is a constant issue in any metropolis. Luckily for us in the Mother City, there are dedicated people like Muneeb Hendricks who fight this scourge every day.

5 mins

Muslim-Friendly Destinations You Can't Miss

Muslim travel has seen a significant increase globally during the past decade. As one of the fastest-growing tourism segments, this travel spend is set to rise to US$300 billion by 2026, and South Africa can benefit from this.

3 mins

Restoring Dignity Through Forensic Art

Growing up in an era when television shows like MacGyver and Police File were at the height of their popularity, Kathryn Smith developed a deepseated fascination with forensic imaging. This unusual interest led her, fortuitously, to a career-defining opportunity.

4 mins

Read all stories from Big Issue

Big Issue Magazine Description:

The Big Issue is a non-profit nongovernmental organisation (NGO) and Public Benefit Organisation (PBO) that publishes a general interest monthly magazine which focuses on the big social issues of the day. The vendors who sell the magazine are self-employed micro-retailers.

Our Social Development Programme provides vendor support including vocational, life and business skills training and guidance counselling.

The Big Issue aims to actively encourage and equip vendors to “move on” from the project into mainstream society.