Dr Sooliman: A Life of Service and Humanity | Trailblazer

Editor

22nd April 2026

Public Sector Leaders

By Jessie Taylor

Dr Sooliman – A Calling Rooted In Compassion

Few South African leaders embody the spirit of humanitarian service as profoundly as Imtiaz Sooliman. As the founder of the Gift of the Givers, Dr Sooliman has built one of the most impactful disaster response organisations on the African continent; an institution synonymous with compassion, speed and unwavering commitment to human dignity. This legacy was formally recognised when the University of Cape Town conferred upon him an honorary Doctor of Philosophy degree, acknowledging decades of service that have transformed lives both locally and globally.

Trained as a medical doctor, Dr Sooliman’s early career followed a conventional path in private practice. However, his life took a defining turn in the early 1990s when he decided to dedicate himself fully to humanitarian work. In 1992, he founded Gift of the Givers, driven by a vision to serve humanity without discrimination.

From the outset, the organisation was built on a simple yet powerful principle: to provide aid to anyone in need, regardless of race, religion or geography. This ethos has remained central to its operations, shaping a culture of inclusivity and urgency that distinguishes it from many other humanitarian organisations.

Over the past three decades, this vision has translated into extraordinary impact. Gift of the Givers has delivered more than R6 billion in aid and responded to major crises across the globe, from natural disasters to conflict zones. Under Dr Sooliman’s leadership, Gift of the Givers has grown into the largest disaster response organisation of African origin. Its reach extends across more than 40 countries, with interventions spanning healthcare, water provision, hunger alleviation and education.

The organisation’s ability to respond rapidly and effectively to crises has earned it widespread trust among communities, governments and international partners. Whether addressing drought in rural South Africa or delivering aid in conflict zones abroad, its approach is characterised by efficiency, innovation and compassion.

The honorary doctorate awarded by the University of Cape Town represents one of the highest forms of recognition in academia, reserved for individuals whose contributions have had a lasting societal impact. The university described the honour as an acknowledgement of “a sustained and meaningful contribution to society”, highlighting his role in advancing dignity, equality and service.

In response, Sooliman emphasised that the recognition belongs not only to him, but to the broader Gift of the Givers team and the South Africans who support the organisation. He noted that the award reflects “what we as South Africans do collectively”, reinforcing the idea that humanitarian impact is a shared endeavour.

Building Africa’s Largest Disaster Response Organisation

In the past six months alone, Gift of the Givers has continued to demonstrate its critical role in responding to both natural disasters and humanitarian crises.

In early 2026, the organisation played a key role in responding to severe flooding in Limpopo and Mpumalanga, where heavy rains caused widespread damage to homes and infrastructure. More than 1,600 homes were affected, with lives lost and communities displaced. Gift of the Givers teams worked closely with local authorities to deliver emergency aid, including food, shelter and medical assistance.
In Mkondo, relief efforts included direct support to over 130 households, despite difficult terrain and ongoing weather challenges. Aid packages consisted of essential supplies such as bedding, food, and hygiene items, helping families begin the recovery process.
The organisation has also been active in responding to fires and storms across the country. In the Western Cape, informal settlement fires left thousands displaced, prompting immediate intervention with food parcels, blankets and emergency shelter materials. Similar efforts were undertaken in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, where communities affected by floods and storms received critical support.

Beyond South Africa, Gift of the Givers has continued its international humanitarian work, including ongoing support for communities affected by conflict and displacement. Its ability to operate both locally and globally underscores its position as a leading force in humanitarian response. A defining feature of Gift of the Givers’ success is its funding model, which relies heavily on donations from individuals, businesses and partners. Recent contributions have reinforced the strength of this support base, including significant funding injections that enable the organisation to expand its reach and impact.

Notably, a R6 million donation has further strengthened the organisation’s ability to respond to emergencies and sustain its programmes. Such contributions highlight the trust that donors place in the organisation and its leadership, as well as the broader culture of giving that underpins its work. This model of collective support aligns closely with Dr Sooliman’s philosophy that meaningful change is achieved through shared responsibility. By mobilising resources across sectors, the organisation has created a powerful platform for humanitarian action.