Cape Town - Gift of the Givers founder, Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, has been adopted as a son of the soil by the Royal House of AmaXhosa in the Eastern Cape.
Sooliman has, according to Chief Phathuxolo Tyhali, been acknowledged under very unique circumstances for his work with traditional leaders in the Eastern Cape, especially in Centane.
“Dr Sooliman has been there during difficult times. One was during a bus crash in 2021, where 21 elderly people were killed.
“He also recently helped in getting 10 primary schools instant porridge, with children being fed since May; he renovated a hospital, and helped with the backlog. His involvement is great.”
Tyhali said that was why Sooliman was recognised among the greats, at the event held in Cebe in the Eastern Cape.
“This is the first time in a decade that someone was accepted as one of the King’s sons.
“We had Majesty King of AmaXhosa give him head beads and neck beads as a symbol of appreciation for his work and he was also adopted as one of our sons.
“This only happens for special people. Some of the recipients are Chris Hani, former president Nelson Mandela, and former Zambian president Kenneth Kaunda.
“This is more than just a symbol of appreciation, this is our Royal House saying that our doors are always open. We had every Xhosa tribe there celebrating this important and very significant award with him, it shows the impact he has.”
Sooliman said he was moved by the recognition.
“I believe in cross-cultural heritage and to be recognised in such a way shows that this type of heritage does exist. I am also very humbled to be recognised among people who served the country and world, my spiritual leader must be very happy with me,” Sooliman said.
Sooliman made reference to his relationship with the Eastern Cape.
“I have such a warm relationship with the province, and to hear that the King recognised me as his own son makes my heart feel so warm, the way he received me and clapped for me ... It is like accepting cultural diversity.”
Sooliman said even though being on the receiving end was something he cannot get used to, he was grateful for the people who go the extra mile as far as appreciation is concerned.
“We have received more than 160 awards so far, and even though we don't do it for accolades, it is also a reminder to the teams, donors and workers, that none of this would be possible without everyone pulling their weight.”
To South Africa, Sooliman said: “We need to have an attitude where we appreciate, respect and love our diversity.
“We must learn not to badmouth our country, speak honestly, but remember just because people make mistakes does not mean they are bad, even the politicians.
“All we have to do is hold hands, capitalise on our diversity, because we are so different but yet so the same. We have the spirit of ubuntu that flows in our veins.”
tracy-lynn.ruiters@inl.co.za
Cape Argus