Anyone over the age of 18 who is unemployed and seeking a means of earning a legitimate income is eligible to become a Big Issue vendor.
In order to become a registered Big Issue vendor everyone must go through a "badging-up" process, which involves meeting with a social development worker for an induction session and signing a code of conduct.
To register, visit The Big Issue depots between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. at:
66 Newmarket Street, Woodstock, Cape Town
19 Lester Road, Wynberg, Cape Town
CODE OF CONDUCT
All vendors are required to sign a Code of Conduct, summarised here:
- I shall wear my ID badge and bib at all times when buying and selling The Big Issue magazine.
- I shall not lend my bib or ID badge to other vendors.
- I shall attend the compulsory sales and customer relations training.
- I shall not beg, ask for donations, nor collect recyclable materials whilst wearing The Big Issue ID badge.
- I shall not commit crime, be aggressive, use violence or bad language towards anyone including Customers, The Big Issue staff and vendors, whether on or outside Big Issue premises, while wearing a Big Issue badge.
- I shall not be under the influence of alcohol/ drugs whilst selling or buying the magazine. Any reports of misconduct associated with the above will result in suspension or permanent debadging.
- I shall not sell door-to-door in residential areas.
- I shall not fight over pitches with other vendors, or those earning a living from the streets, i.e. buskers and beggars etc.
- I shall not sell outside of my designated pitch without permission
- I shall not bring children with me when selling the magazine. If children are seen or found at the pitch it will result in a warning being issued and possibly debadging.
