Support our vendors

SUPPORT OUR BIG ISSUE VENDORS

The Big Issue is South Africa’s number one magazine and social enterprise, creating opportunities to end poverty and exclusion. Our vendors are those people who’ve taken steps to help themselves. The Big Issue can be purchased from vendors in the suburbs of Cape Town, or from select Spar or Pick n Pay stores nationally.

To donate a wish list item to our vendors, email placements@bigissue.org.za

Woodstock, Cape Town

Who:

Michael van der Walt, vendor no: 3246.

Where you’ll find him:

Off the highway, opposite the Civic Centre. Resides: In an old-age home in Woodstock that offers independent living. Joined: Started selling The Big Issue in October 2017. He’s been a vendor for five years.

Children:

None.

Hopes and dreams:

Pensioner Michael loves playing chess and going to the beach. His ambition is to keep selling the magazine and continue helping others. Before Michael was a vendor, he was the manager of a guest house for eight years. He also worked on the railways for 15 years and completed a five-year apprenticeship as a motor mechanic. He would like to live a long, happy life.

Wish list:

Michael desperately needs a washing machine if anyone has a spare one to donate to him.

Observatory, Cape Town

Who:

Mkhululi Magqabi, vendor no: 1833.

Where you’ll find him:

The robots at Station Road in Observatory, opposite The River Club.

Resides:

In Khayelitsha.

Joined:

Started selling The Big Issue in 2010 and has remained a vendor since then.

Children:

One.

Hopes and dreams:

Mkhululi would like to teach other people how to make different products. He currently makes wonderbags, decorative flowers, coasters, necklaces, bracelets and hearts, but would also like to learn how to make clothing items such as shirts, hats and much more. Wish list: A sewing machine. If anyone can donate one to him, please get in touch so Mkhululi can make more items and further his sewing career.