Sherman Permall

Vendor Sherman Permall is determined to secure a brighter future. In this issue, he shares his experience and hopes with us.

Life’s Second Chances

Words: Alicia English

When Big Issue vendor Sherman Permall joined the organisation in 2017, it was as if he had been thrown a lifeline; he received a second chance in life.

The 42-year-old father lives in Belhar with his wife Beulah and two young adult sons, and sells the magazine from his pitch in Fish Hoek. Beulah is studying teaching and hopes to open her own childcare centre in the near future. Sherman’s firstborn son Bradley is working and doing part-time studies, while his youngest boy Joshua is at home due to the pandemic.

Sherman struggled to find a job before joining The Big Issue as a vendor, as he has a criminal record. While he has served out his sentence and has been completely rehabilitated, many companies have turned down his job applications. “I’ve gone for many interviews and passed with flying colours, but as soon as I mention my criminal record – because I believe in being honest from the start – I am told to leave,” he says. “All I want is to support my family, fit in with society and just be a normal citizen, husband and father.”

Sherman hopes to start a clothing business as soon as he has enough capital to buy garments. He also wants to apply for his driver’s licence test as soon as he has enough money.

He expresses his gratitude to The Big Issue, as each little bit that he makes at his pitch helps to feed his family. “I am eager to grow as a person and obtain my goals one day; I know that God will come through for me,” he says.

Sherman also expresses his appreciation for his customers and wishes them well.