We need to fight for a world without poverty

Pope Francis gives an exclusive interview to the street newspapers network and talks about tackling poverty and corruption, his origins in Buenos Aires, his poor soccer playing abilities, and missing the streets.

What a wonderful world

From the beauty of the hawksbill turtle captured in pristine blue waters off Papua New Guinea, to the male komodo dragons fighting for territory, to the red fox killing off an arctic fox in northern Canada as global warming increases its range, the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Awards are a reminder of just how glorious our planet is - and also just how threatened it is by humanity. 

Rising to the challenge
 
Rise Up Bakeries is a smart, easy to establish small business development for people in surrounding towns. Five people are trained to run a container-based bakery, from baking through to finances and marketing, and take over the business themselves. The Big Issue reports on the one in Riebeek West.

Down to the last drop
 
The Big Issue pulls together a nationwide look at how the drought, extreme heat and mismanagement have created a critical situation in many parts of the country. And talk to people on the ground – township dwellers and farmers – about what it means to them. The effects on food production will be with us for some time to come ... and as a country, we need to address failures in water preservation and conservation urgently.

New lease, new legacy

Just Jinger, one of the best-selling rock groups in South Africa, is back from a seven-year break with a brand-new album. Lead singer Ard Matthews explains why.

Also, don't miss ...

Chwayita’s story: Chwayita Desemele may struggle with English, but that hasn’t stopped her from being a very successful vendor on the corner of Kloof and Long Streets in the city and that’s why she’s been chosen as March Vendor of the Month.

Elsie’s story: Last year Elsie Ntsini’s eyesight was so bad she could only see shapes and shadows. It turned out she had cataracts in both eyes, so The Big Issue organised two ops for her over five months to restore her eyesight, operations that feel like miracles to her. You can visit her Bellville Market, Landros Street, Bellville. 

The Big Issue #239 is on sale from vendors in Cape Town from Tuesday, 16 February to Wednesday, 23 March 2016. Anyone outside of Cape Town can buy the magazine here.

You can also buy The Big Issue with your smartphone. Click here for a step-by-step guide.

For more information, visit www.bigissue.org.za. Alternatively connect with them on Facebook or on Twitter.