Some highlights on what’s covered in this edition of The Big Issue #247 available now from your friendly neighbourhood vendor.
On the cover:
“Pretty Yende – A joy to the world”
The magnificent opera star who started out in small-town Piet Retief and is now singing on international stages throughout the world, talks to The Big Issue from backstage in Paris.
Paris, Milan, New York, London — you name it, she’s probably sung there. She is, as we say, “A joy to the world”, and if you listen to her superb soprano delivering arias by Rossini, Delibes, Puccini and Donizetti, you’ll be clamouring for more. And now you can hear her on her first CD, “A Journey”, just released by Sony.
She’s real proof that talent and commitment can win. Read our interview with the star as she discusses perfecting her coloratura technique for “Lucia di Lammermoor” at the Opera National de Paris, and lets on that she does not have sleepless nights before going on stage. “Staying joyful is important for the voice and the person.”
“Oceans of life amd National Geographic Nature Photographer of the year”
Six pages of magnificent photographs, “Oceans of Life” highlighting an important and beautiful exhibition at the Iziko Museum and the National Geographic spread displaying gorgeous international pictures as well as highlighting a call that entries are still open.
“How we are soiling the sea”
Every day millions of litres of sewage is pumped into the ocean around Cape Town. But the problem goes deeper than that — it’s also about the chemicals that get flushed into the ocean, from household cleaners to medicines. The debate rages around building land-based sewage plants and preserving our oceans — and fixing existing plants that need urgent attention. The city’s position is that the pollution is “insignificant”, and a decision on a new licence to keep pumping sewage into the ocean — or not — is expected soon.
No-Meat millennials
There’s a trend towards eliminating meat and going vegetarian among the millennials. And that’s because they’re worried about the fate of our planet. Study after study has shown that growing plant food is far less wasteful of water and grain resources than raising livestock for the abattoir. Some countries are following the logic: China has recommended a 50% reduction in meat-eating – and Arnie Schwarzenegger no less, is supporting the campaign. Read more about what’s up and our interviews with Capetonians who’ve made the transition — and are loving it.
Agents of Change:
“Literacy from the ground up”
Fundza, a Muizenberg-based organization, focuses on one thing and one thing only: getting youngsters to read. They do this by employing young people to write short novellas, pithy enough to be read on cell phones, as well as relevant to their issues. They reach more than 60 000 people per month on their mobi site. Now that’s a great response!
Little Issue:
The 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, “Are elephants really scared of mice?” and “Does an apple a day keep the doctor away?”), and this time shows children how to make a solid liquid.
Don’t miss…
China Dyantyi, Vendor of the month
Selling The Big Issue enabled China to buy an RDP house. It also taught him about customer relations and with that knowledge he started a small business selling chicken and sausages, with the help of his brother and son. And for him, the education of his son is the most important thing in the world.
Thuliswa Mthembu, Vendor to Visit
Brought up by her grandmother, Thuliswa’s life has taken her to three provinces and through many transient jobs for the sake of survival. Having left school at 14, despite being two standards ahead at one stage, she’s at a disadvantage , but she’s happy at The Big Issue, making sales and learning to sew bags at one of the workshops.
The Big Issue #247 is on sale from vendors in Cape Town from October 25 to November 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 or contact T 021-461-6690
Get your copy and be part of job creation in SA – it’s more than just a good deed; it’s a damn good read.
