Gift of the Givers restores the hope and dignity of the most vulnerable in their time of need, rebuilding prosperous communities and empowering leaders of tomorrow.
Johannesburg, South Africa (25 April 2022) – The Gift of the Givers Foundation is the largest disaster response non-governmental organisation of African origin on the African continent. The essence of our presence is to bring hope and restore dignity to the most vulnerable.
But how did the organisation start?
Dr Imtiaz Sooliman was born in Potchefstroom, in the North West. He started his schooling in Potchefstroom but moved to Sastri College in Durban in 1978. He qualified as a medical doctor at the then University of Natal Medical School in 1984.
Sooliman gave up his career as a medical doctor to pursue the field of humanitarian aid, which for him transcends the boundaries of race, religion, culture, class and geography. Alongside his studies and his medical work and throughout his life, Sooliman has been involved in several associations, religious organisations and school-governing bodies progressively as a student, medical doctor and an active member of civil society.
In 1992, he founded the Gift of the Givers Foundation and has since then delivered more than R3 billion in a 30-year period to 45 countries, including South Africa. The organisation is impartial and apolitical and aims to serve with compassion, kindness and mercy.
“On 6 August 1992, when I was 28 years old – it was a Thursday night – I was in Istanbul with a spiritual teacher. There were people from all countries, all religions, and all colours – there was a unity of man, of different groupings in a holy place.
“After a religious ceremony, the teacher just looked at me, and it was as if something was talking through him – he just looked at me and said: ‘My son, I’m not asking you; I’m instructing you. You will form an organisation; the name will be Gift of the Givers. You will serve all people of all races, of all religions, of all colours, of all classes, of all political affiliations and of any geographical location, and you will serve them unconditionally. You will not expect anything in return – not even a thank you. In fact, with the kind of duty that you’re going to do, expect to get kicked in the butt; if you don’t get kicked, regard that as a bonus. Serve the people with kindness, compassion, and mercy and remember that man’s dignity is foremost – no matter what condition there is, you always protect the dignity of man and, when you serve them, serve them with excellence. This is an instruction for you for the rest of your life. Remember that whatever is done is done through you and not by you. Don’t ever forget that!” – Dr Imtiaz Sooliman
Gift of the Givers restores the hope and dignity of the most vulnerable in their time of need, rebuilding prosperous communities and empowering leaders of tomorrow.
Thank you to the entire Gift of the Givers team. ❤️🇿🇦
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