Stop pretending that there's no crisis

According to the latest issue, "it remains a tragedy of epic proportions that the plight of some 7 000 homeless citizens remains intractably unsolved by one of the wealthiest municipalities in the country."

The magazine indicates there is no reason as to why there is no conversation taking place regarding the need for a solution regarding the homeless. According to Community Chest CEO Lorenzo Davids, "homeless people are a sideshow to the orgy of self-righteous ineptitude."

WANTED: Partnerships for change

The Big Issue takes a concerned look at the country's state of hunger, unemployment, lack of income and economic downturn, which is due to the coronavirus.

"COVID-19 is pushing available services to the limit and testing a fragile interdependent and complex system," writes Zahid Badroodien, mayoral committee member for Community Services and Health at the City of Cape Town. The #286 edition calls for those who can create change where they can.

Taking action for our children

The magazine also speaks with Adri Marais, CEO of Christel House South Africa. Marais turns the spotlight on the 'fractures' that are prevalent in the South African society. This includes our learners' education and homelessness.

Issue #286 draws attention to and celebrates how the institute put its learners first and provided a virtual community that is "just as close, just as supportive, just as caring." 

The gifts of hope and change

Additionally, The Big Issue reports that there are more than 1 000 homeless people living on the streets of Cape Town. The magazine says that a group of five business friends began to tackle the problem head on and to seek solutions. The group found a venue where "training in carpentry and other skills could be offered to homeless people, and where they could be provided with a hot meal daily."


The Big Issue #286 is on sale from vendors in Cape Town from Saturday, 20 June to Sunday, 19 July 2020. Anyone outside Cape Town can buy the magazine here.

You can also buy The Big Issue for smartphones here.

For more information, visit www.bigissue.org.za. You can also follow The Big Issue on Facebook, Twitter or on Instagram.