THE BIG ISSUE #350 is available right now from your favourite vendor and the featured vendor artist once again is the ever popular Solomon Masosa, with a work titled "The Lion of Judah".
The Lion of Judah is no doubt roaring its congratulations to THE BIG ISSUE as this #350 Edition marks their 30 YEARS AS A HAND UP AND NOT A HANDOUT!
The Big Issue is a registered NPO that creates opportunity for people who are excluded from the formal job market.
The work of The Big Issue extends far beyond magazine sales. Through a network of social programmes, the organisation supports vendors and their families with education, housing improvements, health services and skills development. The Vendor Art Programme is one of their social programmes.
The Art Theme set by Director of the Vendor Art Programme, Elaine Millin: This month's art session was an opportunity to find inspiration and peace from nature especially when life is difficult and there are many concerns. "Colour is a power which directly influences the soul." Kandinsky
Vendor Artist Solomon Masosa
Artist Solomon Masosa grew up in Zimbabwe. In Zimbabwe he was a professional soccer player, playing for a local soccer club. He moved to South Africa in 2009 and joined the Big Issue in 2012. Before he joined the Big Issue he was not interested in art. His interest in art developed after attending the art classes at The Big Issue.
He has since discovered a passion for painting. Other than art, Solomon is a DJ and an international artist.
He says that music is his calling. He was called to spread the gospel through music. He says that he has a number of certificates from studying the bible. Other than studying the Bible, Solomon is interested in studying. He studied a business management course where he was a top achiever in his class. Solomon will be starting a new course in November
at St John’s. He is looking forward to studying something new.
Other vendor artists in THE BIG ISSUE #350 are
Beauty Mjethu - Bright flowers
Chwayita Desemela - Rainbow
Eric Gongotha - Butterfly
Nopinki Feni - Garden at the Sea
Xoliswa Ntunta - Aloe Tree
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 #350
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 also MapMyWay
