SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EQUITY
LEADERSHIP THAT TRANSCENDS: THE STORY OF GIFT OF THE GIVERS Dr Imtiaz Sooliman South Africa, with its complex and painful history of colonialism and apartheid, has produced a number of remarkable leaders known for their humanity and compassion. Names like President Nelson Mandela, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Albertina Sisulu come to mind, but standing among them is also Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, even though his name might not be as globally recognised. Dr Sooliman and Gift of the Givers, the organisation he founded, have become a beacon of hope for individuals and communities impacted and devastated by natural and manmade disasters, or by acts like politically motivated hostagetaking. He leads with an unwavering belief in the power of compassion and selflessness to transform individuals, communities and societies. Dr Sooliman was born into an observant Muslim family in Potchefstroom, South Africa. He speaks passionately about his upbringing in an environment where caring for others was actively practiced, regardless of whether those “others” were Muslim or not, Black or White, English or Afrikaans. “The essence of prayer,” he says, “is to prepare the soul and the mind for service to people unconditionally.” Dr Sooliman’s life initially appeared to follow a conventional path, as he qualified as a medical doctor at the University of Natal Medical School (now the University of KwaZulu-Natal). However, in 1991, he met a Sufi holy man in Turkey who told him that he must form an organisation that would serve all people unconditionally, regardless of race, religion, colour, class, culture, or nationality. The name of the organisation would be “Waqful Waqifin” ( نيفقاو فقوin Arabic), which translated into English means ‘Gift of the Givers’. This experience, which he accepted as an instruction from the divine, changed his life. He returned to South Africa to establish the organisation, eventually closing his medical practices in 1994 to dedicate his life to Gift of the Givers. This organisation was formed on 6th August 1992 with a single mission: to serve humanity, provide hope, and restore dignity to the most vulnerable. It comprises a team that is diverse in faiths, races, and skills. The significance of Dr Sooliman’s leadership extends far beyond the borders of South Africa, with the humanitarian work of Gift of the Givers reaching across the globe, transcending cultural, national, and geographical barriers. They have delivered critical services across South Africa and in nations like Bosnia, Somalia, Mozambique, Haiti, Japan, Gaza, and many others. Over the last 31 years, they have delivered approximately R5 billion in aid across 46 countries. What sets Gift of the Givers apart is that they don’t start and end at ‘sending stuff’ to communities in need but practice a hands-on heart, feet on the ground model of delivering services in person. Gift of the Givers is the largest organisation of its kind on the African continent and has received
DEI in the Global South | Edition 1
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