Meet Sherwyn Pon

Sherwyn Pon lives in Johannesburg and is a Property Development Manager specialising in commercial and retail property developments..

Read more about why Sherwyn is proud to be a South African Born Chinese.

"Embrace who you are, being both Chinese and South African. Don’t compromise to satisfy society’s opinions or expectations and be dedicated in growing your own identity." ~ Sherwyn Pon

Name: Sherwyn Pon

Occupation: Property Development Manager

1. Where were you born?

Johannesburg

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

I had the privilege of attending St John’s College from Grade 0 through to Matric. I then began my tertiary studies at Wits, but decided to transfer to UCT where I graduated with a BSc (Honours) in Property Studies (Cum Laude).

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

My fondest memories as a child are undoubtedly the large extended family get-togethers during New Years Eve in the Old China Town (Malaygum) where we had a meal inside Sui Hing Hong then proceeded to burn fireworks in the street for most of the night.

4. What is your favourite Chinese food?

Anything served at Yum Cha – except chicken feet!

5. Where do you live?

Johannesburg

6. What work do you do?

I am a property development manager specialising in commercial and retail property developments.

7. What do you love about your job?

I am entrepreneurial by nature and am always willing to grow my knowledge. My job fortunately allows me to directly take part in the full spectrum of business operations from deal origination to debt financing and ultimately execution of property developments. At the end of a project, it’s amazing to see the tangible results of what people with a vision are able to achieve.

8. What is your proudest achievement?

Getting married to the woman of my dreams a couple months ago – Shout out to my wife, Tamarin!

9. Why are you proud to be South African? Why are you proud to be Chinese?

So I’ve taken the liberty in combining the original questions posed: “Why are you proud to be a South African?” and “Why are you proud to be Chinese?”. Growing up as a South African Born Chinese (SABC), you quickly learn that you’re different from others. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing as you get to experience the best and to an extent, the worst of both worlds. However, the four best things about being an SABC are:
you get to celebrate two New Years every year (one filled with braai food and the other with Chinese food)
you are bilingual at the minimum
you get to experience the SABC community every year at the Easter Tournament, and
you get lucky red packets instead of socks for your Birthday/Christmas

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

Honour your elders. It’s important to realise the sacrifices that were made by our parents, grand-parents and for some, great-grand parents, in order for us to be where we are today. Our elders are a generation filled with invaluable guidance and stories, which shouldn’t be taken for granted or forgotten as it will keep your feet firmly rooted to the ground. It should be something we strive for because one day, you’ll be ‘that generation’.

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

Although I probably just fall short of still being classified as the “youth” or perhaps I’m in denial? In my limited experience, I would encourage you to embrace who you are, being both Chinese and South African. Don’t compromise to satisfy society’s opinions or expectations and be dedicated in growing your own identity.

12. Is there anything else that you’d like to share with the Chinese community?

You are awesome! I hope that our community continues to grow and support each other. So much has been achieved in our community to date, but it really feels like it’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Want to contact Sherwyn?

Find Sherwyn on Facebook or email spon@eris.co.za.