“Get your Big Issue copy and be part of job creation in SA – it’s more than just a good deed; it’s a damn good read.”
* On the cover: “Lira – doing it for herself”. Singer, “The Voice” TV show host, accountant, and all-round fabulous person, Lira talks to The Big Issue about how we have to completely believe in ourselves in order to get other people to believe in us too. Her own “big issue”? Youth empowerment – that’s where change and stability for the future will be found, she says.
* Issue: South Africa’s shame – why is it that we suffer from such a high rate of rape? And why is it that casual sexism in language is so often overlooked and even encouraged? Sexist ways of thinking and speaking lead to those things becoming real, what protesting students recently called “rape culture”. Our article examines what is meant by that, asks men to come on board to fight it, and reflects that it’s a deep and pervasive problem that needs attention in many, many ways.
* Cheslin Kolbe: The much-loved “pocket rocket” of the Sevens team at the Rio Olympics talks to The Big Issue about his background in Kraaifontein and the fact that rugby is a family passion.
* Helgo Schomer: The Cape Town 567/702 radio psychologist talks about the childhood that made him, the important lessons he learnt then, his passion for surfing and his upcoming road trip.
* Little Issue: Our new 4-page pull-out section for children. Aiming to encourage and develop scientific curiosity, it offers puzzles, discusses common questions that arise (for eg, “does a chameleon really change its colour to match the background?”), and this time shows children how to make their own volcano.
Don’t miss…
Mkhululi’s story: Mkhululi Mbilini is a gentle person, fully committed to raising his daughter well at the same time as selling The Big Issue to help feed his family. You’ll find him at Rose Avenue, Newlands.
English classes for vendors: Learning to speak English can be a gateway to a new life and one vendor at least describes teacher Mila Moreano as “an angel brought by God”. It’s not about sitting around, she adds, but about securing a good future.
The Big Issue #244 is on sale from vendors in Cape Town from July 25 to August 24, 2016. Anyone outside of Cape Town can buy the magazine here.
Don’t forget: you can buy The Big Issue with your smartphone! Visit for a step-by-step guide.
For more information, visit www.bigissue.org.za or contact: Editorial: Editor Glynis O’Hara, editor 021-461-6690 or glynisoh@gmail.co.za; Advertising/Marketing: Derek Carelse at derekcarelse@mweb.co.za
