Gift of the Givers founder Dr. Imtiaz Sooliman urged South Africans to remain optimistic after a difficult 2022.
South Africans greeted 2023 with hope and optimism that the year would be one of joy and prosperity for the country.
SA challenges
Dr. Sooliman described 2022 as a challenging time for the nation.
“What a roller coaster year it has been. The war in the Ukraine that shot up the prices of fuel, cooking oil and wheat, more than 200 days of load cuts that negatively affected the pumps of water tanks, hospitals, companies and the standard of living, increased inflation…”.
“Rising interest rates, costly bond repayments, rising food prices, rampant corruption, crime, job losses, unemployment, a lazy young population, a collapsed public health system, potholes, hunger, malnutrition, the effects of climate change, gender violence and division. racist behavior All of these are serious challenges, to be sure, she said.
Blessings
Dr. Sooliman, who runs Gift of the Givers, said that despite this, we need to stay positive.
“We are blessed with faith, spirituality, Ubuntu and resilience. We are not at war, missiles and bombs are not raining down on our families, we are not torn apart by intractable tribal, cultural, religious and sectarian conflicts.”
“We have a lot to fix but the recovery process of the country, which is not from the government but from us, the citizens of the country, has begun, we all have to play our role with a positive mentality, understanding that everyone in the government, the SAPS and the civil service are not corrupt, understanding that even though people may have bad or negative behavior it does not necessarily make them bad people,” said Dr. Sooliman
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person of the year
Dr Sooliman, who was honored ‘Person of the Year’ by the Afrikaans magazine Vrye Weekblad, added that a society thrives when it focuses, encourages and reiterates the good within each individual.
“Spirituality teaches that, and over time, with a constant emphasis on the good, the good will eventually triumph.”
“We have a great country, warm people, amazing weather and a lot to celebrate. We got through April 27, 1994 without violence, revenge or bloodshed, the peaceful and dignified conduct of our oppressed masses took center stage, our people believe in the nation and in building bridges,” he said.
Resilience
Dr. Sooliman said that the South African people are resilient.
“We had bumps along the way…State Capture, factionalism, xenophobia, an unintelligent Intelligence Service, but we are blessed with the presence of upstanding, dedicated, committed, fearless and innovative citizens in the public and private sectors who are patriotic. . Certainly, together with our contribution, they will fix our country.”
He said that the country is healing from its wounds.
“SARS, NPA, Hawks, SIU, Intelligence Services, SAPS, hotel industry, corporate SA are all showing signs of progress. Foreign companies still look favorably on SA, our banking and business sector is strong, agriculture is going strong, mining has had an incredible period of growth, home and car sales have been picking up, given our circumstances, there are much to be thankful for.
South Africa the largest
Dr. Sooliman said that South Africa is the largest country in the world.
“The price of oil is down, fuel prices are coming down, charitable spending has been strong and will increase.
Sharing of experiences, resources, skills, and volunteer service by our retired doctors, teachers, engineers, accountants, and technicians, partnerships between government, the private sector, and civil society, compassion and generosity of beneficiaries, and a return to Spirituality, morality, values and ethics is the way to fix and take back South Africa, the greatest country in the world, and we are that country.
“We look forward to an amazing 2023 for us as a nation and a country,” said Dr. Sooliman.
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