In this Graduation address to the TSIBA Class of 2022, Dr Sooliman inspires listeners of this Podcast deeply to the true meaning of spirituality - through working to reverse desperate poverty, serving all people, all races, all religions, all colours, classes and cultures, and doing so unconditionally, with nothing expected in return.
Dr Imtiaz 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 R160 million in a 13-year period to 22 countries, including South Africa. The organisation is impartial and apolitical, and aims to serve with compassion, kindness and mercy.
The Gift of the Givers Foundation is the largest disaster response non-governmental organisation of African origin on the African continent. In a 15-year period, the organisation has developed into one of the most respected international humanitarian agencies, being the first such agency to be accredited by Proudly South African.
This was his address to the 2022 graduates of TSIBA Business School.