Mjongeni Malanti is a single father and a man of many talents. He is quick to learn, has many different skills and finds great pleasure in photography. Malanti believes in persevering, no matter what obstacles are in his path.

Life hasn’t been smooth sailing for Nondumiso Zigana, a Big Issue South Africa vendor, but that hasn’t stopped her from pursuing her heart’s desires. She shares her journey of being an unemployed widow to being a mother of intellectuals.

Ntombovuyo Cekiso, 29, sells The Big Issue at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. After moving to Cape Town over ten years ago, Ntombovuyo struggled to find secure employment. However, since becoming a Big Issue vendor, she has found both financial security and job satisfaction, and her life has changed for the better.

Our vendor on the pitch, Nancy Mngqelana, 53, sells The Big Issue magazine in Claremont. She shares her inspiration and aspirations, and her story ‘sew’ far.

Progress Cembi, 46, sells The Big Issue at Cavendish Square, Claremont, in Cape Town. He tells us about his journey as a Big Issue entrepreneur and about his hopes for his and his family’s future.

Big Issue South Africa vendor Mkhululi is the latest of our global vendors to tell us about his ambitions for 2017. His goal is to start a new business.

A free home care course is helping three Big Issue South Africa vendors make their dreams become a reality.