The Big Issue Collector’s Edition invites top writers, photographers and illustrators to contribute to the magazine to make a special, thicker issue with added value for the festive season.
For that reason it’s slightly more expensive, at R30, giving that something extra to the vendors over Christmas.
It’s also an annual step away from the way the magazine is normally put together, and provides great writing and images with a difference, creating a breather, an indulgent read for the holiday weeks ahead.
“People who inspire” is the cover headline, along with an iconic image of Wayde van Niekerk holding the flag after his 400m win at the Rio Olympics.
Our theme this year was “inspiration”, so who better to have on the cover than Wayde?
The story inside, headlined “Our moment of pride”, features more images from that great day and a story that explains just why it was so special.
Other than the Wayde story, the magazine features a range of contributions from top personalities like Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama, Lewis Pugh, Jay Naidoo, Iman Rappetti, the Reverend Cano Mpho Tutu, Sam Cowen and Nik Rabinowitz, as well as from writers like Max du Preex, Gus Silber, Ben Trovato, Mandla Langa, Cynthia Jele, Sindiwe Magona and Paige Nick. Novelists Damon Galgut, Finuala Dowling and Karin Brynard also came to the party, as did Karoo specialists Julienne du Toit and Chris Marais. And that’s just some of them.
We’re sure the contributions we’ve put together will both entertain and stimulate.
Most important — have a peaceful, convivial, loving festive season and come back refreshed and restored for the new year.
Contributors were asked to grapple with what, exactly, inspires them, and the range of responses is fascinating.
Everything from swimming and bikram yoga (Sam Cowen), to great mentors (Lewis Pugh and Damon Galgut), to parents (Gabeba Baderoon, Karin Brynard) to the way ordinary people just keep on making a difference (Max du Preez, Gus Silber, Jay Naidoo) to heritage (Dali Tambo) to place (Julienne du Toit and Bulelwa Makalima-Ngewana), to respect and a partner in love (Reverend Mpho Tutu).
The Big Issue #248 is on sale from vendors in Cape Town now to January 4, 2017. 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 or T 021-461-6690
“We believe in a hand-up, not a hand-out.”
via Cape Town Green Map
