It operates on the same principles which have been so effective in providing a legitimate income and a step back into employment in this country. Vendors buy the issue for R2 and sell it to customers for R4.50. It's a simple principle which can have a great impact in Cape Town, says director of Big Issue in the North Anne McNamara. There is nothing to fall back on, no welfare state, so if you are homeless you have no-one to help you. The Big Issue is perfectly placed to help - it's a life saver.
Vendors can go and sell the magazine and then use the money to pay for a hostel for the night.
Now vendors in Liverpool, Leeds and Manchester are working hard to try to help the homeless of South Africa. They have a terrible time. If every vendor and every reader gave a bit of money that would all help. I feel like my situation is nothing compared to theirs. They come first.