The Big Issue Magazine

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Derek Carelse, Desireé Johnson, Gadija Gamieldien, Marlinee Chetty Managing Director: Derek Carelse Advertising, Fundraising & CSI: Derek Carelse Email: [email protected] Office Administrator: Penelope Hawker-Mdingi Finance:

As the pandemic has rudely reminded us, there is a beginning and an end to all things. And a phase for the fresh and new. With this sentiment, the team bids a heartfelt adieu to our former editor, Alicia English. I am delighted to take the reigns onc

Dear Big Issue readers You would hopefully notice two things as you page through the magazine in your hands. It is a bookish issue, with some brilliant short stories and literary contributions; and they are all written by women. The literary slant is

Zubeida Toefy – “Just read, for first time, some articles in this month’s Big Issue. I’m very impressed.” Shona Randall Salver – “Such a great read! Always so well written. And helps the vendors so much.” Hilary Gilbert - “I am a big supporter of The

Standing for long periods of time in traffic is challenging. The pandemic and a move to digital media has made our vendors’ lives extremely gruelling. But each and every one has a personal story, and a life that matters. And each has tenacity, persev

Here are a few excerpts of recent reviews from the page with a big thank you to all our readers for making this possible. Without you, there is no page. The Artist Vanishes by Terry Westby-Nunn – reviewed by Paige Nick A cleverly told mystery thrille

Get your copy of little issue at Spar stores nationwide. Designed for grade R-3 learners, it’s aligned with the DBE curriculum. It helps with reading for meaning, numeracy and literacy. It was a very dark night. The moon was out of sight. Sipho and D

Her company Diana Ferrus Publishers publishes the work of writers from previously disadvantaged communities. In association with the University of the Western Cape, she has published the life stories of former activists and unionists: Liz Nana Abraha

When I studied, it was a struggle, because I lived in a dangerous place, so that travelling early morning and late night was a nightmare. End of 2019, I finally bought my first car. Now I drive safely to work, where the danger awaits me every day. I

Poems from Noudat slapende honde, Kwela Books (2008) translated by Charl JF Cilliers “And they say it’s the white man I should fearBut it’s my own kind doin’ all the killin’ here”Tupac Amaru Shakur, Only God can judge me Cardo was bornbut no one expe

Masedi had escaped a village and fertile wife who nagged him for nappies, babies’ milk, money for maize, money for meat, money for this thing and that thing and that and that. Johnson too; he had escaped some evolving trap of poverty he’d thought he

• Gang activity increased due to the Group Areas Act. • In 2013, in the Western Cape, gang-related murders increased 86% from 2012. • In 2019, 900 people were murdered on the Cape Flats in the first six months. • Four basic types of Cape Town gangs a