Weight of the Nation

South Africa is the fattest nation in Sub-Saharan Africa, with 30% of men and 70% of women classified as overweight or obese. Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan’s recently proposed sugar tax has put this big issue under the spotlight. In this edition, The Big Issue weighs up the pros and cons of the new sin tax.

In Photos: What’s for dinner?
In 2011, journalist Leonie Joubert and photographer Eric Miller travelled southern Africa asking people a simple question: what are you eating for dinner? The resulting images and stories were published in The Hungry Season, highlighting the issue of food security.

Putting worms to work

Entrepreneur Phumlani Dlongwana harnesses the natural activity of earthworms to produce compost and create jobs. The Big Issue finds out how he does it.

The power of the podcast

The Big Issue explores why, in a supposed era of disconnection, the act of listening to someone telling you a story is both intimate and compelling.

Playing the game

Recognisable worldwide as the ruthless head of clan Lannister in HBO’s Game of Thrones, British actor Charles Dance reflects on his difficult school days, his admiration for Benedict Cumberbatch and his Game of Thrones demise.

Dining with Khayelitsha

An innovative new project is changing perceptions and breaking stereotypes, by inviting urbanites into township homes for a meal. The Big Issue joins the guests for an unconventional evening out.

Don’t miss ...

Nobambo’s story: Nobambo Cele came to The Big Issue looking for the means to support herself and her family. Five years later, she brings light into both our office and her customers’ lives, thanks to her winning combination of poise and professionalism. No wonder she’s our Vendor of the Month.

Xolani’s story: Xolani Nkomithyoboza has never been afraid of hard work. Like many of our vendors he’s stared down adversity many times, but for whatever reason – pride, guts or stubbornness – he never learnt how to quit. And he’s back at it, making plans for the future. We find out what they are.

Please note that The Big Issue’s cover price has increased from R20 to R25. This means the vendors get to take home a little more (R12,50 instead of R10) – and so do you, our readers, thanks to four pages of additional content.

The Big Issue #241 is on sale from vendors in Cape Town from Monday, 25 April to Tuesday, 24 May 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.