PITCH: Cape Town
-33.914089, 18.423640
WE NEED YOUR HELP
Aphiwe would appreciate any donations in the form of materials to make macramé plant hangers; and school stationery, clothes and shoes for her children and siblings.
If you would like to assist him, contact The Big Issue office on 021 461 6690 or email info@ bigissue.org.za.
Aphiwe Shumi
Maternal instincts
Words: Alicia English
Family means everything to 30-year-old Big Issue vendor Aphiwe Shumi. The single mother of three children (aged three, five and 10) lost her own mother when she was much younger. This meant that she had to care for her two younger siblings, who are now nine and 18, respectively.
Aphiwe lives in Siqalo informal settlement (near Mitchells Plain) with her children and siblings. She has been selling The Big Issue magazine at Dock Road in Cape Town since 2010. While it is tough being the primary caregiver for her family, she perseveres to provide for them. Aphiwe enjoys making macramé plant hangers to supplement her income. She would like to continue with her craft this year, but needs materials to get it going again. Another goal for the new year is to help her brother Chumani matriculate in 2021.
Aphiwe expresses her gratitude towards her customers and thanks them for their support. “I pray that God will bless them and their families and that 2021 will be a better year for everyone,” she says.
