Batsi Jorofani is the featured Vendor Artist in THE BIG ISSUE #347 which is available right now from your favourite vendor.
"The Art Theme this month is Welcoming summer and the blessing of light and sunshine into our lives" explains Elaine Millin, Director of the Vendor Art Programme.
• Quote: “Art is the stored honey of the human soul.” – Theodore Dreiser
Artist: Batsi Jorofani
Batsi joined The Big Issue in 2009 after moving to South Africa in 2006.He was born in Mozambique, where he spent most of my childhood, and later moved to Zimbabwe. Unlike many foreign brothers and sisters, he didn't settle in Johannesburg, but came straight to Cape Town as he felt it was a safer option and this is most important for him as he is the breadwinner for his family back home.
"I would love to pursue art as a career. I love it with all my heart; it defines me. Art makes me feel like I’m free and I'm able to express my thoughts and feelings through it. I’d like to get into the industry and exhibit my paintings. On the other hand, I’d also love to get into social development programmes for kids. I can help out with art or sport. I believe that with a little guidance, children – and the entire African continent – can have a bright future. In my spare time, I enjoy relaxing at home or meeting up with friends.
My journey at The Big Issue has been a wonderful experience; I'm truly grateful. Being a Big Issue entrepreneur shaped my life, as I was heading nowhere."
His painting is titled: Tree of Life [see Lead Photo above]
OTHER ARTIST IN THE BIG ISSUE #346
Eric Gongotha - Colours after rain
Solomon Masoso - Fruit of the Holy Spirit
Noncwaba Mbeki - Trees on my Farm
Mzwethemba Tinzi - Rainbow Nation in Colour
Nonqaba Fulani - Summer Sunshine
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
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”
WHAT: Vendor Artists – THE BIG ISSUE #347
WHERE: 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 Meet The Big Issue Editor Ingrid Jones & MD Derek Carelse on the Sanlam Arts Round Up | See also MapMyWay
