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The Gift of the Givers’ founder, Dr. Imtiaz Sooliman, is a name that resonates with selflessness, innovation, and global impact. His life story is a testament to the power of vision, compassion, and unwavering dedication to humanity.
From his humble beginnings in South Africa to becoming the driving force behind the largest disaster response agency of African origin, Dr. Sooliman’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Let’s delve into the life and legacy of this remarkable individual.
Early Life and Education
Dr. Imtiaz Ismail Sooliman was born on March 7, 1962, in Potchefstroom, a small town in South Africa’s North-West province. Growing up in a modest family, he was instilled with values of hard work, humility, and service to others from a young age. His early years were marked by a deep sense of curiosity and a desire to make a difference in the world.
After completing his high school education at Sastri College in Durban in 1978, Dr. Sooliman pursued a career in medicine. He enrolled at the University of Natal Medical School, where he earned his MBChB degree in 1984. His decision to become a doctor was driven by a genuine desire to help people and alleviate suffering—a principle that would later define his life’s work.
A Thriving Medical Career
Following his graduation, Dr. Sooliman established a private medical practice in Pietermaritzburg, Natal. His practice quickly gained a reputation for excellence, and he became a well-respected figure in the medical community. However, despite his professional success, Dr. Sooliman felt a deeper calling—one that would ultimately lead him away from his thriving career.
In 1992, during a visit to Istanbul, Turkey, Dr. Sooliman received a life-changing instruction from his spiritual guide, Sufi Sheikh Muhammed Saffer Effendi al Jerrahi. The Sheikh instructed him to establish an organization that would serve all people, regardless of race, religion, or political affiliation. This directive wasn’t a suggestion—it was a lifelong mission. The Sheikh even named the organization: Waqful Waqifin, Arabic for Gift of the Givers.
The Birth of Gift of the Givers
Gift of the Givers’ founder, Dr. Sooliman, embraced this calling wholeheartedly. In August 1992, he founded Gift of the Givers, a non-governmental organization dedicated to providing disaster relief and humanitarian aid worldwide. The organization’s mission was clear: to serve unconditionally, expecting nothing in return.
From its inception, Gift of the Givers was driven by innovation and a commitment to addressing the root causes of suffering. Under Dr. Sooliman’s leadership, the organization achieved numerous world-firsts, including the development of the world’s first containerized mobile hospital and the creation of the Sibusiso Ready Food Supplement, a high-energy, protein-rich product designed to combat malnutrition.
A Life of Service: Key Milestones
Dr. Sooliman’s journey as the Gift of the Givers’ founder has been marked by countless acts of courage, compassion, and innovation. Here are some of the key milestones in his remarkable career:
1. Bosnia and the Mobile Hospital
In 1993, Gift of the Givers designed and deployed the world’s first containerized mobile hospital in Bosnia during the Siege of Mostar. This groundbreaking innovation provided critical medical care to thousands of people and earned praise from international media, including CNN, which compared it to the best hospitals in Europe.
2. Haiti Earthquake (2010)
In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in Haiti, Gift of the Givers played a pivotal role in search-and-rescue operations. The organization’s team rescued Ena Zizi, a 64-year-old woman who had been trapped under rubble for eight days—a world-first for an African organization.
3. Somalia Famine (2011)
During the famine in Somalia, Gift of the Givers airlifted 180 tons of food and shipped 2,000 tons of aid to alleviate hunger. This massive operation saved countless lives and demonstrated the organization’s ability to respond swiftly to crises.
4. Palestine Aid
Since 2002, Gift of the Givers has provided over R30 million in food and medical supplies to the people of Palestine. The organization also established a childcare center in Gaza to support children impacted by poor living conditions.
5. South African Initiatives
Dr. Sooliman has always remained deeply connected to his homeland. Gift of the Givers has implemented numerous projects in South Africa, including drilling over 400 boreholes to address water scarcity, establishing feeding centers to combat malnutrition, and rebuilding homes after fires in Khayelitsha.
| Date | Recognition | Awarded By |
|---|---|---|
| 19 Oct 1993 | President’s Order of the Star of South Africa | President F.W. De Klerk |
| 25 Apr 1997 | Civic Commendation Award | President Nelson Mandela |
| 30 Jun 2006 | Tamgha-i-Eisaar (Presidential Award) | President Pervez Musharraf |
| 28 Nov 2008 | Excellence in Health Care Award | South African Medical Association |
| 18 Nov 2009 | Recognized as one of the world’s most influential Muslims | Prof. John Esposito (Georgetown University) |
| 2011 | Award for Service to Palestine | Sheikh Yusuf al-Qaradawi |
| 1 Apr 2016 | Honorary Doctorate | Rhodes University |
| 7 Sep 2017 | Chancellor’s Medal | University of Pretoria |
| 1 Feb 2018 | Goodwill Award | FW de Klerk Foundation |
| 20 Mar 2018 | Honorary Doctorate | University of Stellenbosch |
| 21 Jun 2018 | Top Business Award | Standard Bank KZN |
| Sep 2024 | Adopted as one of the king’s sons | The Royal House of AmaXhosa |
Personal Life and Values
Dr. Sooliman’s personal life reflects the same values of compassion and service that define his professional work. He is a polygamous man with two wives, both of whom have played significant roles in his life and the work of Gift of the Givers. His first wife, a co-founder of the organization, has been a steadfast partner in his humanitarian efforts. Together, they have five children. In 2007, Dr. Sooliman married his second wife, a nurse he met during a Gift of the Givers mission. They have one child together.
Despite his many achievements, Dr. Sooliman remains humble and grounded. He often emphasizes that the success of Gift of the Givers is a collective effort, made possible by the dedication of countless volunteers, donors, and partners.
Accolades and Recognition
Dr. Sooliman’s extraordinary contributions have earned him numerous accolades and honors, both locally and internationally. Some of the most notable include:
- Order of the Baobab: South Africa’s highest civilian honor, awarded for distinguished service.
- Global Citizen Award: Presented by Henley & Partners in recognition of his humanitarian work.
- Honorary Doctorates: Dr. Sooliman has received ten honorary doctorates from various universities, acknowledging his impact on global humanitarian efforts.
- Presidential Awards: His work has been recognized by multiple South African presidents, including Nelson Mandela and Jacob Zuma.
These accolades are a testament to Dr. Sooliman’s unwavering commitment to serving humanity.
The Philosophy Behind the Mission
At the heart of Dr. Sooliman’s work is a simple yet powerful philosophy: to serve unconditionally, expecting nothing in return. This principle has guided every aspect of Gift of the Givers’ operations, from disaster relief to long-term development projects.
Dr. Sooliman often speaks about the importance of compassion, humility, and innovation in addressing the world’s most pressing challenges. He believes that true success lies not in personal gain, but in the positive impact one can have on the lives of others.
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Legacy of Gift of the Givers’ founder
As the Gift of the Givers’ founder, Dr. Imtiaz Sooliman has created a legacy that will endure for generations. His work has touched millions of lives across 47 countries, proving that one person’s vision can indeed change the world.
Looking to the future, Dr. Sooliman remains committed to expanding the reach and impact of Gift of the Givers. He envisions a world where no one suffers from hunger, poverty, or lack of access to basic services. Through continued innovation and collaboration, he aims to make this vision a reality.
The Gift of the Givers’ founder, Dr. Imtiaz Sooliman, is more than just a humanitarian—he is a beacon of hope and a living example of what it means to serve humanity. His life and work remind us that even in the face of immense challenges, compassion and determination can create a brighter future for all. Through Gift of the Givers, Dr. Sooliman continues to inspire us to make a difference, one act of kindness at a time.
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