Trailblazer - Imtiaz Sooliman

A Visionary Leader Driving Gift of The Givers' Global Impact

By Jessie Taylor

Dr. Imtiaz Sooliman, the founder and head of Gift of the Givers, is a man driven by compassion, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to humanitarian aid. His leadership has transformed the organisation into South Africa’s largest and most influential humanitarian body, with its reach expanding far beyond the borders of South Africa.

Gift of the Givers is now recognised globally for its ability to respond swiftly and efficiently to crises, alleviating suffering through food, medical supplies, and long-term development programs. Sooliman’s vision for a better, more connected world has helped shape the organisation’s operations, making it a beacon of hope in many conflict zones and disaster-stricken areas around the globe.

A Passion for Humanitarian Aid

Dr Sooliman’s journey toward humanitarian work began with a deep-rooted desire to serve others. He founded Gift of the Givers in 1992, a turning point in his life that would forever change the trajectory of his career and the lives of millions worldwide. What started as a modest initiative aimed at providing assistance to those affected by the civil war in the former Yugoslavia has grown into a global force for good, making Dr Sooliman one of the most respected figures in the international humanitarian community.

Dr Sooliman’s belief in the universal principle of helping those in need—regardless of race, religion, or nationality—has been the cornerstone of Gift of the Givers’ ethos. Under his leadership, the organisation has made an indelible impact in more than 43 countries, often responding within hours to emergencies, and providing vital services ranging from emergency medical care to long-term rebuilding efforts in war-torn or disaster-stricken regions.

Under Dr Sooliman’s guidance, Gift of the Givers has successfully extended its operations beyond South Africa, focusing on the immediate needs of people affected by disasters and conflicts worldwide. From the Middle East to Africa, and from Europe to Asia, the organisation has become a reliable partner in providing relief to millions.

One of the standout examples of the organisation’s global reach is its involvement in Ukraine. When war broke out, Gift of the Givers, led by Dr Sooliman, quickly mobilised to provide essential food, medical supplies, and other humanitarian aid to civilians caught in the conflict. This rapid response is a hallmark of Dr Sooliman’s leadership, as he recognises the urgency of providing relief in such dire situations. The organisation’s ability to deliver aid swiftly in politically sensitive regions like Ukraine, while remaining neutral and focused solely on humanitarian objectives, is a testament to Dr Sooliman’s diplomatic skills and his deep understanding of global humanitarian dynamics.

Humanitarian Aid In The Middle East and Africa

Dr Sooliman’s leadership has also been pivotal in the Middle East, where Gift of the Givers has provided much-needed relief in countries like Syria and Yemen, both of which are devastated by war. The ongoing conflict in Syria has displaced millions of people, leaving them without access to basic necessities like food, clean water, and medical care. Dr Sooliman and his team have tirelessly worked to deliver these essential supplies, even in areas with limited access to humanitarian aid. His ability to navigate the complexities of war zones and reach people in need is a hallmark of his handson approach and the trust he has built within the global humanitarian community.

In Yemen, where the humanitarian crisis is one of the most severe in the world, Dr Sooliman’s leadership has led Gift of the Givers to provide essential supplies to communities affected by war and famine. The organisation has worked to provide medical support, food, and clean water to those facing the devastating effects of conflict and food insecurity. The same commitment to aiding the most vulnerable is reflected in the work Gift of the Givers does in Africa, such as its ongoing efforts in Somalia and Mozambique, where the organisation has responded to both natural disasters and conflict.

Dr Sooliman’s leadership has also been instrumental in Gift of the Givers’ response to natural disasters like Cyclone Idai in Mozambique. When the cyclone devastated the region, leaving thousands stranded and without shelter, the organisation’s response was swift, delivering emergency supplies and working to help rebuild the affected communities. Dr Sooliman’s commitment to sustainable recovery efforts is evident in Gift of the Givers’ long-term work in the region, where they have focused on rebuilding infrastructure and restoring essential services, including healthcare and education.

Similarly, in Sudan, Gift of the Givers has played a vital role in providing relief amidst both man-made and natural disasters. The organisation has been involved in responding to the needs of displaced populations, delivering food, water, and medical care to communities in crisis. Dr. Sooliman’s ability to adapt and respond to different types of crises—whether conflict driven or natural disasters—has made Gift of the Givers a trusted source of help in some of the world’s most challenging regions.

Imtiaz Dr. Sooliman’s leadership is defined by his passion for alleviating suffering and his unwavering commitment to helping those in need. His ability to rally people and resources in the face of global crises, along with his focus on longterm recovery and sustainable development, has solidified Gift of the Givers as a global humanitarian powerhouse. Whether responding to the urgent needs of people affected by natural disasters or helping communities rebuild after conflict, Dr Sooliman’s humanitarian efforts have touched millions of lives across the globe.

Sources: Gift of Rhe Givers | SAGoodNews | SA Presidency