Meet Michael Kamson

Michael Kamson from Pretoria is an international school teacher now teaching in Sweden.

"Let us as the Chinese Community of South Africa unite and make a difference in our own communities that we live in, let us show what we are really made of and how we can contribute to the development of our country." ~ Michael Kamson

Read more about why Michael is proud to be Chinese and proud to be South African.

Name: Michael Kamson

Occupation: International School Teacher

1. Where were you born?

Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa

2. What school/college/university did you attend?

Nursery School: Bambi Nursery School in Lyttelton; Grade 1-12: Pretoria Chinese School, Wingate Park, Pretoria; University: University of Pretoria (a.k.a. Tuks).

3. What is your fondest childhood memory, growing up as a Chinese child?

My fondest childhood memory growing up as a Chinese child has got to be all the awesome festivals that we have (I went to the Chinese School, so we kept strong ties with all Chinese festivals throughout the year). But I must also say that the Easter Tournaments have always been the highlight of the year for me when I played it annually, it was the best way to meet other people who had a very similar background to you. Do not get me wrong, I had a very diverse group of friends throughout school but it was just nice to connect with people of the same culture as you and who understood both your frustrations and your cultural norms and reasons you did what you did such as Pai Fa etc.

4. What is your favourite Chinese food?

My favourite Chinese dish would have to be the spicy beef that they served back in the day at a restaurant called Dragon Garden. The owners have now moved to Cape Town and opened a similar restaurant there.

5. Where do you live?

I now live in a place called Tyresö, Stockholm County, Sweden.

6. What work do you do?

I am an International School Teacher that specialises in Mathematics at Middle School level, I currently work for the Internationella Engelska Skolan I Tyres.

7. What do you love about your job?

I have always loved working with children and that I must admit is the part I enjoy the most, children have the most imaginative and creative minds ever and sometimes they surprise you out of the blue with something so random that you cannot help but laugh. Don’t get me wrong though, teaching is a super tough job to do but so rewarding at the end of the day.

8. What is your proudest achievement?

My proudest achievement would most likely be achieving a bronze medal in mixed doubles at the South African Table Tennis Junior Open Tournament with my then table tennis mixed doubles partner Melanie Law, having only narrowly lost to the eventual winners of that tournament.

9. Why are you proud to be South African?

South Africa is one of the most beautiful countries in the world if not the most beautiful country. Our Diversity in the country is both our greatest asset as well as our greatest liability in the current socio-economic situation we are facing. But in saying this South Africans in general are true Survivors and we have really achieved so much based on the past that we had. I also feel that if we can get a sense of proper pride as in that we are all South African (irrespective of race, culture, religion or creed) we will really be a massive force to be reckoned with in the global community, but we must really unite and see ourselves as South Africans and strived for what is the best for South Africa as a whole not just for our own selfish desires.

10. Why are you proud to be Chinese?

The background and history of the Chinese and there traditions is extremely rich and is of the oldest in the world and many words of wisdom have come forth from our forefathers which are life lessons that we all can learn from and take heed of in order for us to develop and truly bring in a “growth mindset” to our own lives.

11. Name one Chinese tradition that you’d like future generations to continue with?

I would love to see the tradition of Pai Kee continuing where we remember our ancestors who have gone before us and pay our respects to them as they are our forefathers and it is from them that we should all learn, pai kee is also a time where one is able to touch base with your extended family such as your cousins etc. Family is of utmost importance to me and I feel it is a good habit to meet up with family as often as possible because as the old saying goes “Blood is thicker than water” and your family are the ones who will be there for you no matter what. And by continuing with this tradition it can only bring families so much closer together.

12. What advice would you give to the Chinese youth today in South Africa?

Work hard, play hard. Life is too short to get caught up in all the negativity that life throws, but we should always strive to better our own lives and in the process also better the lives of the community we live in. There is always strength in numbers and a United South Africa irrespective or culture, creed, race, religion, ethnicity, etc. is a much stronger force than a fractured society. Keep positive and look to make a difference in your community.

13. Is there anything that you would like to share with the community?

Let us as the Chinese Community of South Africa unite and make a difference in our own communities that we live in, let us show what we are really made of and how we can contribute to the development of our country despite the negative reputation we have been given of late. Let us show South Africa and in fact the world how are making a positive impact in the world and striving to make the world a better place by starting in our own communities within which we are currently living where abroad or in South Africa. Bringing to light the true sense of what Ubuntu is.

Want to contact Michael?

The easiest way to contact me is via email if ever you are looking for an international school teacher or would like advice if you are considering going into teaching. My email address is Michael.kamson@gmail.com.