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” (وقف واقفين in 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 acclaim for its impartiality and global impact. Dr Sooliman’s commitment to giving back underscores his belief that “the best among people are those who benefit humankind.” His story exemplifies the transformative potential of compassionate leadership, offering a guiding light towards establishing inclusive communities globally.

Reflecting on leadership as a practice, Dr Sooliman emphasises the importance of the basics – values, spirituality, morality and ethics. Reflecting on his own style of leadership, in addition to the fact that he clearly embodies the basics, he says “I break the rules, I do what’s necessary, I get things done.” Dr Sooliman delivered the Inclusive Society Institute’s 2021 annual lecture and ended it with these words “As part of spirituality, we promote the good of the soul. Even if there is some blot on the soul, you don’t speak about the blot, you speak about the light. And as you keep speaking about the light, the light gets brighter, and the blot gets dimmer. “

With a focus on spirituality, morality, ethics, compassion, and serving unconditionally, Gift of the Givers promotes the good in people and situations and helps people change for the better, physically and spiritually. A world in which inequity is still so stark needs leaders like Dr Sooliman, who dedicate their lives to achieving more inclusive and equitable societies.

My take away lessons from Dr Sooliman’s leadership

1. I have learnt that concept of eldership is not confined to church environment, but is relevant to leadership of organisations and communities

2. Dr Sooliman leads beyond his personal identity, which demonstrates the qualities of eldership.

3. No border should be stronger than the need to give people quality of life This is the ultimate measure of creating equality and inclusion, and giving people their dignity.