Meet Vendor Artist Thabisa Xwethu in The Big Issue #343 and the Art Theme, set by Art Facilitator Elaine Millin was to explore a time in life that was important, a time of learning, family or friendship. In many languages the names of the months are related to nature. The vendors were asked to find a nature image for this time.
The Big Issue #343 Features Thabisa Xwethu and 5 other Vendor Artists
Thabisa Xwethu grew up in Nyanga township Cape Town staying with her aunt. She attended I.D. Mkhize high school in Gugulethu. She attended some art classes at the Peter Clarke Art Centre while at school. She now lives with her 14 year old daughter and 3 year old son. She enjoys cooking during her spare time. She likes participating in the art sessions at The Big Issue and wants to develop her skills.
Her painting is titled: Healthy Lifestyle
The other Vendor artists:
Cynthia Gogogotya - Orange Fruit
Chwayita Desemela - Summertime
Noloyiso Tubeni - Fly Free
Solomon Masoso - Blossoming
Xoliswa Ntunta - Aloe Healthy Lifestyle
The#343 edition is titled LET'S FLY A KITE and features The Cape Town International Kite Festival , now in its 31st year and is organised by Cape Mental Health, to promote Mental Health Awareness and raise funs for this good cause. The Festival takes place on 25-26 October at Youngsfield Militay Base, Ottery. [See also The 31st Cape Town International Kite Festival]
Bridging the cashless divide
The Big Issue #342 introduced you to 'Empowering South Africa's informal economy with Tip4Change'. You can do a good deed:
• Use QR codes to pay informal workers without carrying cash
• Keep apps like SnapScan or Zapper ready for small transactions
One of the two Big Issue Vendors we meet in The Big Issue #343 is Nomakhosina Sola, corner Beach and Three Anchor Bay Roads. Had to include a photo as she is the Vendor i buy my copy from every month.
The cost of the artwork is R350.00 – R300 goes to the Artist R50 to the art programme.
To acquire a work E This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The work can also be see at the Noordhoek Art Point gallery. “Pop in, have a look, and help support our local stars”.
WHEN & WHERE: October 2025
Available from your favourite vendor across the city. Anyone outside the city of Cape Town can buy the magazine nationally at selected Spar and Pick n Pay stores. Anyone outside of Cape Town can also buy the magazine here.
Don’t forget: you can buy The Big Issue with your smartphone! Visit for a step-by-step guide. INFO: E This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | Visit | Editorial: Editor Ingrid Jones, 021-461-6690 | Advertising/Marketing: Derek Carelse at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | See also MapMyWay
