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.

30 years of compelling storytelling • We've done so many covers over the years. It was good to look back at how far we've come, people and topics covered, and being on street serving our readers and vendors.

The Mind-Body Connection: • Empowerment Through Thought

Reflections

Meet our Vendors • Monetary donations for dentures, as well as donations for bedding and clothing can go a long way for our Big Issue vendors.

Warmth on the wall • This month, our artists turned their creative eyes toward the things that keep our spirits bright when the weather turns harsh. Through vivid strokes and deeply personal perspectives, they explore the ultimate antidotes to the winter blues: the unbreakable bond of family, the joy of childhood, the loyalty of true friends, and the brilliant, defiant colours of nature. Even after the heaviest storms, these works remind us that there is always a quiet, beautiful morning waiting to break through.

Clicks cares: giving back, transforming lives • Clicks customers rally behind Casual Day to raise R3.4 million for persons with disabilities

Who is caring for the carers?

Active citizenship starts where you stand • What happens when we stop waiting for external institutions to fix our communities and simply look at what is already in our hands? For Patrick Moiloa, a shift away from the corporate grind led to a simple decision: to show up.

Strong Academic Foundations: The future starts in the early years • Practical early childhood development advice for schools and parents

BORN FREE, FOR WHAT? • Every Mid-year, I Love Remembering the Crisp Dawn of 27 April 1994 — the First Time I Felt Freedom Had Commisure for Us All.

Trauma Support • Mental health is increasingly recognised as one of the defining challenges of our time. Post-COVID, many have called it the next biggest health crisis.

Hold on to Heritage • Before memory fades into history, the youth of the Northern Cape and West Coast are stepping in.

Mentorship as a Strategy • In South Africa, mentorship is more than a developmental tool. It is increasingly understood as a bridge to equity, resilience and long-term leadership sustainability.

The Elephant Matriarch • A Parisienne, Françoise never expected to find herself living on a South African game reserve. But when she fell in love with renowned conservationist, Lawrence Anthony, her life took an unexpected turn.

When the Light Begins to Leave • When it sometimes grows dark inside me, I find myself thinking about loss and, strangely, about light.

Understanding Section 21: The Only Legal Pathway for Medical Cannabis Access in South Africa • Most South Africans have heard of medical cannabis. Far fewer understand how it legally reaches a patient. Bassani Health explains the framework and why getting it right matters.

Nutrition is a life-or-death issue • The first 1,000 days of life form a critical biological window that permanently shapes a child’s health and future.

Weight gain after 40 • Weight gain is not always fully in your control. It often comes down to underlying metabolic changes and hormonal shifts that sit largely outside your direct control.

Tuxedos, Whiskers and Razor Teeth • This article...