The Big Issue

High quality, varied and entertaining content for readers across age, culture, religion, gender and other demographics. Stories include reporting on local and international happenings with a ‘bigger issue’ about an individual, and unusual news or events that impact us all. The Big Issue shares in-depth interviews with local and international celebrities, artists, change-makers and thought leaders. It also focuses on local people or organisations committed to making positive changes in society – intent on finding innovative ways to effect change.

The Big Issue

Honouring Women Writers • THE WOMEN'S EDITION

DODGING TRAFFIC TO SUPPORT THEIR LOVED ONES • Our Big Issue vendors face daily struggles, some more than others. We would like to introduce two such vendors who would appreciate any assistance - or a smile, a hoot, or a friendly wave.

Storytelling - a call to power • Five South African women from diverse backgrounds have penned their stories in a bid to both heal and share their experiences with the community and the public, not only as compelling storytelling, but ultimately as a tool to activating feminine power.

Finding a new voice • In 2004, on Kim Ballantine's 40th birthday, her husband brought her breakfast in bed wearing just an apron. You could say her personal naked chef left her speechless and that wouldn't be far from the truth - she was, literally for years.

An MK soldier's memoir • On 7 March 1986, after the apartheid President PW Botha had lifted the state of emergency during a speech where he claimed there had been a discernible drop in the levels of violence in South Africa, Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) Special Operations guerrilla, Marion Sparg, was arrested.

The Library Visit

Stocking up local community kitchens with grocery stokvels • SA's spirit of 'ubuntu' is the key to feeding underprivileged communities through collaboration and mutual support, and stretching limited food budgets further.

Hearing the call for inclusivity • An emotional Mia Le Roux from Cape Town is the first deaf woman to be crowned Miss South Africa. She took the title at the spectacular 66th pageant finale held at the SunBet Arena at Time Square, Pretoria recently.

Mum's the word • Women, especially mothers over 35, are blocked from accessing the economy in our country. New local initiatives are trying to address this unfair challenge.

Aunty Bettie: a lifetime of fighting for women farm workers

THE BIG ISSUE HONOURS WOMEN • The headscarf, or doek, is a multicultural symbol of women from all walks of life in our country, and globally. Due to human migration and cultural integration over hundreds of years, the symbolic meaning of headscarves has morphed alongside migratory movement as people carried their culture with them.

Understanding gender based violence • How does one grow awareness for change? From the perspective of media, we try to talk, and show, and tell … until hopefully new norms and values shift into the fabric of the unconscious stratas of society, raising the bar on expectations.

Art for Activism • The world's first Global Artivism Conference takes place in Pretoria from 5 to 8 September, and will also be streamed online. The event will highlight the crucial role of creative expression, advocating for social and environmental change. Register for the event at www.globalartivism.com

Glen Powell and Daisy Edgar-Jones on Twister • Power up your Dorothy machine, tornado wrangling is back! Glen Powell and Daisy Edgar-Jones reflect on their new go-round of the beloved disaster flick.

FROM COLD TO WARMTH • Our Big Issue vendors enjoy art sessions hosted by Elaine Millin, our Art Facilitator. The theme during a time of cold and floods in the Western Cape was to find what brings inner warmth.

What's On?...