The Big Issue behind the cover

In the month of October 2002 The Big Issue, South Africa, joined approximately 60 publications around the world in an international drive to eradicate poverty. In their quest to fight poverty, publications belonging to the International Network of Street Papers (INSP) dedicated their October issue to commemorate International Eradication of Poverty day on the 17th October.

10 Oct 2002

"All of the publications are committed to carrying the same cover during this month. By doing this we illustrated our unity and strength, and communicated our belief that poverty can be overcome," says Glenda Nevill editor of The Big Issue, South Africa.

The cover is the product of a design competition. The designers of each of the publications belonging to this network, were encouraged to design a cover with a 'poverty theme'. All the designs were posted on a website, where visitors to the site voted for their favourite. This year's winning cover was designed by Jennifer Watson from The Big Issue, Scotland.

"The main idea behind my cover was to keep the design as simple as possible. This was in order to encompass all the different issues creating and sustaining poverty in the world," says Watson. "Rather than using an image, which is often very specific to its place and context, I chose to use the word 'poverty', presented simply and starkly on a black background," concludes Watson.

In keeping with the 'poverty' theme, The Big Issue South Africa covered a selection of poverty-related articles in their October issue. The articles included the following:

Meeting Mr Poverty
This was an interview with Delani Mthembu, CEO of the national development agency, whose job description involves participation in alleviating poverty in South Africa.

Basic Income Grant for Over 18's
The proposal for a basic income grant for all South Africans over the age of 18 is being discussed. This, however, would cost the state R42 billion per year. Is this the right way to go? We look at its implications.

Big Issues for Little Children
This article is about the street children of South Africa. Why they're on the streets? Are the NGOs actually helping these street children? Newsweek journalist, Miriam Mahlow investigates.

The Atlantis urban Framing Project
A successful way to counteract poverty in this deprived area. The community grows food to feed the poor, and sells the excess to make money to buy more plants etc.