Table of contents for Issue 340 2025 in The Big Issue

Emergent literacy is an exciting journey that begins long before children learn to read and write. It’s all about the foundational skills they acquire through everyday play and interactions. These early experiences are crucial as they lay the groundwork for future reading and writing success. From the moment children start to engage with their environment, they are absorbing and processing information that will help them become literate. Whether it’s recognising the letters in their name, understanding that words carry meaning, or developing an awareness of sounds, these skills are built through a variety of playful and interactive activities. Everyday moments, such as listening to stories, singing songs and playing games, contribute to a child’s emergent literacy. These activities make learning enjoyable and provide rich language input that is essential for…

Have you ever found yourself in an online meeting, not quite knowing why you joined, and feeling like the elephant in the room? Probably not. I have… At the end of 2024, I bumped into Clint White and Joniff Cleophas at a book launch, and we ended up chatting for hours about this idea they had. The Cape Flats Arts and Culture Festival. The premise? Sharing and celebrating positive stories from the Cape Flats. Stories that would inspire and uplift the youth. On a deeper level, the Cape Flats Arts and Culture Festival aims to recognise, interrogate and celebrate the contributions of the oftenerased identities of the Cape Flats communities on the other side of Table Mountain. A core aim of the organisation is to serve our communities as a…

Retirement estate living in South Africa is on the rise, as retirees increasingly seek properties that offer security, quality lifestyle, and a solid return on investment. Lightstone Property notes that 44 000 properties owned by over-60s are found in formal retirement villages. While such retirement estates are a good option, Barto van der Merwe, Managing Director of Renishaw Property Developments, says there are several factors to consider. “Retirement should be a time of enjoyment, ease and security,” Barto says. “When making this investment, buyers need to consider what’s truly included – not just in the home itself, but in the lifestyle, amenities, and added value that comes with it.” He shares the key things to consider before investing in a retirement property: 1 WHAT DOES THE LEVY COVER? “Start by…

"Children who arrive in our care as determined by Children’s Court often carry more than just their school bags – they carry invisible burdens: fear, neglect, abuse, abandonment. But with the right support, they begin to heal.” According to the government’s statistics, during the 2024/25 fiscal year, more than 26 000 cases of child abuse and neglect were reported in South Africa. With the 2025 theme “Working together in ending violence against children”, Child Protection Week, observed annually from 29 May to 5 June, is a vital reminder of the rights of children as enshrined in law – as well as our humanity. Yet, just as we marked the occasion, the many recent tragic headlines again illustrate what a problem South Africa has with children’s – and women’s, in all…

""Volunteering shows that you’re dependable, proactive and willing to learn. It also gives you experience to talk about in interviews. With Youth Month in our rear-view mirror, it’s hard to ignore the elephant in the room: unemployment. With youth unemployment now sitting at a staggering 45.5% (Stats SA - F2025:Q1) – and no clear plans in May’s National Budget on how this will be tackled as a nation – you’d be forgiven for feeling somewhat despondent, says Nkosinathi Mahlangu, Youth Employment Specialist at Momentum Group Foundation. This has led to many young people pursuing entrepreneurial endeavours, which shows proactivity and determination, he says. “However, our research shows that there are more school or college graduates who want to join a reputable company where they’ll be able to learn from their…

CROSSWORD SUDOKU Complete the grid so every row across, every column down and every 3×3 box is filled with the numbers 1 to 9. Answers: Across: 1. State, 4. Sprain, 10. Stroppy, 11. Llama, 12. Proof, 14. Elusive, 15. Fur, 16. Stars, 18. Giant, 20. Tea, 21. Doormat, 23. Ruble, 26. Toads, 27. Craving, 28. Drowsy, 29. Rebel. Down: 2. Torso, 3. Tip-o? s, 5. Pilau, 6. Arabica, 7. Nearest, 8. ASAP, 9. Cyberattack, 13. Rat, 16. Sedated, 17. Avocado, 18. Garbage, 19. Nil, 22. Masks, 24. Beige, 25. Edgy. Across 1. To declare formally or publicly (5) 4. Injure your ankle by twisting it (6) 10. Bad-tempered and argumentative (7) 11. South American animal related to the alpaca (5) 12. Evidence that establishes the truth (5) 14. Hard to…

In a recent collaboration between the Cape Flats Arts and Culture Festival and Cornerstone, the May edition of the Cornerstone Critical Dialogue series took place. Under the theme “Indigenous or Traditional recognition? The implications for Khoi and San recognition in post-apartheid South Africa”, the dialogue befittingly took place at the Castle of Good Hope – a painful reminder of our colonial past and the challenges left behind in seeking redress for our identity in post-apartheid South Africa. Key takeaways from the conversation by one of the panellists highlight promoting key tenets in social cohesion, recognition, and restitution for our people. Annelize Kotze, Social History Curator at Iziko Museums SA, had crucial points in her statement around decolonising heritage spaces, and the role museums play in the larger understanding of identity.…

Let’s talk about porn. Not because it’s edgy. Not because it’s scandalous. But because it’s affecting millions – quietly, relentlessly, and in ways most of us are too uncomfortable to admit. This is not a morality rant. It’s a conversation about harm, addiction, mental health, and exploitation – it’s time we relooked at porn. PORN IN YOUR POCKET Since smartphones took over in the mid-2000s, porn has become easy to access. What was once behind counters and under beds is now easily accessible anonymously and affordably. South Africans are very online. We are the top country in the world for average daily internet use. And when it comes to porn searches? We consistently rank in the global top 10. We’re 114% more likely to search for “hardcore” porn than the…

Just like most of us, our pets are inclined to enjoy a treat or few. And mine are certainly always in receiving mode. So this month I’d like to share a few budget-friendly dog and cat treat recipes. You’ll know exactly what is going into their treats by making them yourself, and the recipes can be adjusted to your Beasties’ preferences and food tolerances. Please note that ingredients like xylitol and other forms of artificial sweeteners, especially those found in peanut butter, are toxic to dogs. And so are cocoa, raisins and Marmite. Flat-leaf parsley is poisonous but not curly-leaf parsley, which can be given in small doses. I usually crosscheck ingredients to see if they are safe for my Beasties’ consumption. PEANUT BUTTER AND BANANA DOG BISCUITS Note: Adjust amounts…