Imtiaz Sooliman and the Gift of the Givers: A Mercy to All

by Shafiq Morton

Imtiaz Sooliman, a medical doctor practising in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, visited a Shaikh in Istanbul in 1992. The Sufi teacher gave him a message that would dramatically change the lives of countless people.‘To my absolute astonishment he told me I would help people for the rest of my life. He then instructed me to form a humanitarian organisation called the “Gift of the Givers”, and repeated the phrase “the best among people are those who benefit mankind”.’Over 20 years later Gift of the Givers, Africa’s largest disaster agency, has a reputation for speedy responses to floods, war, famine, tsunamis, kidnapping and earthquakes. Well known for their interventions in South African and international disasters, teams of volunteers have undertaken missions to places such as Bosnia, Palestine, Japan, Haiti, Indonesia, Malawi and Mozambique. They have put up hospitals, run clinics, dug wells, built houses, offered scholarships and provided shelter, food and psychological succour to millions. Journalist Shafiq Morton, who has been on several of Gift of the Givers’ missions, tells the story of the organisation, its missions and its inspirational and tireless leader, Imtiaz Sooliman.

260 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2014

About the author

SHAFIQ MORTON is an award-winning Cape Town-based photo-journalist, editor, surfer, and radio-TV presenter with decades’ experience.

He has covered South African stories such as the anti-apartheid campaign, the release of Nelson Mandela, the 1994 elections, and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. He has been on assignment in places such as Palestine, Libya, Somalia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Jordan, Namibia, and Niger.

In 2008 he won the National Vodacom Award in the community media section and the regional award in 2010.

Reviews

[Ari Damoulakis · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the best charities when it comes to works done and results achieved. Unfortunately we now have Extremist Zionist elements in our Jewish communities branding the good doctor’s work as hamas because they also offered aid in Gaza. They have no facts to prove their screeching, but are just throwing accusations because the Doctor opposes what is going on in Gaza. It is like the one idiot on a radio station, a well-known journalist, accusing News24 of being AntiSemetic.
It has come to the point where only the Zionist Extremists believe what they say, and the rest of us, including MANY fine Jews of Conscience like SAJFP and normal people just say ‘Yeah whatever,’ ignore their Hasbra and carry on with our lives. (I won’t say ‘Bad Hasbra,’ as that is the name of a podcast produced by a group of heroic Jewish people.)
I won’t pretend it is the most interesting book, but, as a non-Muslim, even if I am to call myself a Christian, the work done by Doctor Sooliman’s charity and the effort he gives is so much mor passionate and compassionate and practical than many other charities.
A worthwhile read.

[Bev Erickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The writing wasn't the best I've ever read but the content was incredible. What a man and what a team of truly good people! Thank you Dr Sooliman.

[Tsholo Tiro · Rating 3 out of 5]

The work of The Gift of the Givers is awe-inspiring. While the stories captivated me, the writing made me want to stop reading on the second page. Had it not been for the gravity of the work, I would not have finished the book.

I would give the content 5/5, but I would give the writing 1/5.

[Essack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic review of one of the best Relief Organizations in Africa. It is truly inspiring. Writing could have been a bit better - it's what has prevented the 5th star.

[Jacquelyn Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Factual and informative.

[Shee Tsim Nam · Rating 2 out of 5]

while it may be a good and comprehensive account of what Imtiaz Sooliman had done, it is not such an interesting piece for enjoyable reading.