Dr. Imtiaz Sooliman 2024
African-born Dr. Imtiaz Sooliman is the Founder of Africa’s largest African-owned NGO, The Gift of the Givers. He completed his medical training at the University of Natal in 1984. After receiving a spiritual calling, however, he was guided to a service path that resulted in the creation of the Gift of the Givers Foundation in 1992.
Gift of the Givers delivers life-saving aid through emergency medical teams, food and water provisions, shelter, and pioneering innovations like the containerized mobile hospital and “life locator” device for locating survivors amid great destruction. It also emphasizes sustainable support through programs in healthcare, education, agriculture, and clean water. The organization was the first of its kind accredited by Proudly South African, underscoring its national impact.
Dr. Sooliman’s work extends to war zones and disaster-stricken areas globally, including relief efforts in Syria, Haiti, Bosnia, and Palestine. His leadership secured R60 million from the South African Government in 2003 for domestic aid, marking a historic partnership. In the 32 years since its inception, Gift of the Givers has grown into Africa’s largest disaster relief NGO, procuring over R6 Billion in aid and providing critical support in over 47 countries.
Recognized by Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, which conferred upon him an honorary Doctor of Philosophy, Dr. Sooliman’s legacy is one of compassion and innovation. The Global Presence was most honored to join the more than 160 organizations celebrating his magnanimous service to humanity with our 2024 Global Presence Humanitarian Award at P20 Talks 2024 Cape Town.