Latest news with #ImtiazSooliman
News24
13 hours ago
- News24
Gift of the Givers calls for arrest of ‘water mafia' after threats in flood-ravaged Mthatha
Gift of the Givers Foundation staff received threats while providing water to residents in flood-ravaged Mthatha. Police Minister Senzo Mchunu previously condemned the threats, and authorities are providing armed protection for aid workers. The humanitarian organisation called for the arrest of those responsible. Gift of the Givers Foundation founder Imtiaz Sooliman has called for the arrest of the 'water mafia' after aid workers were threatened while distributing water to flood-ravaged residents in Mthatha in the Eastern Cape. The person who made the threats, he said, was driving a black Toyota Fortuner at the time. His call came days after Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and the OR Tambo District Municipality condemned the intimidation of the workers. The municipality has contracts with companies that own water tankers and distribute water to people during outages. Gift of the Givers has been distributing the water for free ever since the floods hit the Eastern Cape, claiming the lives of at least 92 people, most of them in Mthatha. Sooliman said information indicated that someone driving a black Toyota Fortuner had made the threats. 'Gift of the Givers appreciates the message of support from the Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, against the water mafia who tried to intimidate Gift of the Givers drivers while delivering life-saving water to the people of Mthatha, who were severely affected by the floods,' he added. READ | Gift of the Givers 'water mafia' intimidation an attack on ubuntu, says Mchunu 'Given the hardship and difficulty of the people and given the fact that [over] 90 people have passed on, the behaviour of the water mafia is totally disgusting. We appreciate the fact that the SAPS acted immediately by sending an armed person in the truck with our drivers, as well as a car following the water tankers. 'The situation has completely calmed down, but we are calling on the community of Mthatha to help us find a black Toyota Fortuner from which the threat was made, and we need that person arrested,' he said Sooliman added that profiteering from people's hardship needed to stop: This is a message to the water mafia: we will take you on wherever you are because Gift of the Givers is not afraid of anyone. 'We have the support of the government, the SAPS, the SANDF, and above all, we have the support of the communities and the municipalities when it comes to assisting people in dire need, as is the case now in Mthatha and the Eastern Cape. 'This kind of heinous behaviour has to stop. We hope that the government will now extend the support it is giving to Gift of the Givers to all areas where the water mafia are capitalising. All those types of tenders have to stop in the interest of saving money and in the interest of the people of our country,' he said. On Wednesday, Mchunu said the police would not tolerate any attempt to intimidate or obstruct those working tirelessly to save lives and bring relief to the people. 'Gift of the Givers has consistently been a source of hope and dignity to South Africans in their hour of need. Any attack on them is an attack on the very principle of ubuntu,' the minister said.
IOL News
2 days ago
- IOL News
Gift of the Givers threatened by ‘water mafia' while providing aid to Eastern Cape flood victims
Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, humanitarian and founder of Gift of the Givers, is undeterred by the threats by they received from the "water mafia" while providing aid-relief to the Eastern Cape's flood victims. Image: Armand Hough/ Independent Newspapers IT SEEMS that "water mafia's" greed knows no bounds, not even the devastating floods that claimed the lives of 90 people in the Eastern Cape can melt their hearts. This after humanitarian aid organisation Gift of the Givers' volunteers were intimidated while delivering essential water supplies to the affected residents of Mthatha. In the wake of the intimidation the organisation's drivers had endured, Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, the founder and chairman of Gift of the Givers, fired back at the perpetrators saying that they were "not afraid", and they would continue to serve the needs of community, with the backing of the government and communities. Sooliman detailed the alarming encounters faced by their drivers who were met with threats while transporting much-needed water. 'Given the hardships and difficulties of the people and the fact that 90 people have passed on, the behaviour of the water mafia is totally disgusting,' he declared. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading Gift of the Givers teams are now being escorted by police and security officials when delivering water to residents in Mthatha. Image: Gift of the Givers Dr Sooliman appreciates the swift action taken by the South African Police Service (SAPS), which provided a convoy escort—flanked by police vehicles both in front of and behind the charity's water tankers—to ensure safe passage for their operations. 'The situation has completely calmed down. However, we are calling on the community of Mthatha to help us locate a black Toyota Fortuner from which the threat was made; this person needs to be arrested,' he urged. In a bold statement, Sooliman addressed the perpetrators directly, declaring, 'This is a message to all water mafia: we will take you on wherever you are. Gift of the Givers is not afraid of anyone. We have the support of the government, SAPS, SANDF, and above all, we have the support of the communities and the municipalities.' He expressed resolve against those who exploit others' suffering and insisted that 'profiteering from the hardships of people has to stop.' The situation drew the attention of Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, who reacted strongly to the intimidation tactics targeted at Gift of the Givers. He stated, 'It is alleged that members of a so-called 'water mafia' reportedly linked to service providers contracted by the OR Tambo District Municipality threatened Gift of the Givers staff as they distributed clean drinking water to residents impacted by the recent floods.' During a recent visit to Mthatha, Mchunu expressed gratitude to the police for their efforts during the crisis and firmly condemned any attempts to obstruct humanitarian work. 'The police will not tolerate any attempt to intimidate or obstruct those who are working tirelessly to save lives and bring relief to our people,' he asserted. Mchunu noted that any attack on Gift of the Givers was not merely an attack on an organisation but on the very values of Ubuntu that underpin South African society. Further emphasising the commitment to public safety, the Minister assured that law enforcement would act decisively against these threats and also revealed disturbing reports of theft targeting the homes of flood victims. 'We have also been made aware of individuals who go to the homes of those who lost their lives due to these floods, with a view to committing acts of theft,' he warned. Police forces are deployed to ensure the safety of these properties and safeguard the dignity of the deceased and their families. Dr Sooliman welcomed the backing from the Minister and reiterated the significant need for supportive community action to curb such heinous behaviour. DAILY NEWS
IOL News
2 days ago
- IOL News
Gift of the Givers faces intimidation from 'water mafia' during flood relief efforts
Gift of the Givers teams are now being escorted to deliver water to residents in Mthatha. Image: Gift of the Givers Humanitarian aid organisation, Gift of the Givers, which has been pivotal in assisting those affected by the floods in the Eastern Cape, are being intimidated by 'water mafia'. Speaking to IOL, Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, founder and chairman of Gift of the Givers, said members of the 'water mafia' have been trying to intimidate its drivers while delivering life-saving water to the people of Mthatha who have been severely affected by the recent floods. 'Given the hardships and difficulties of the people and the fact that 90 people have passed on, the behaviour of the water mafia is totally disgusting. We appreciate the fact that the SAPS acted immediately by sending out a convoy (vehicle in front and behind) our water tankers. The situation has completely calmed down. However, we are calling on the community of Mthatha to help us locate a black [Toyota] Fortuner. It is the Fortuner from which the threat was made; this person needs to be arrested,' Dr Sooliman said. He also issued a stern warning for the 'water mafia'. Humanitarian and founder of Gift of the Givers, Dr Imtiaz Sooliman. Image: Armand Hough/ Independent Newspapers Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 'This is a message to all water mafia: we will take you on wherever you are. Gift of the Givers is not afraid of anyone. We have the support of the government, SAPS, SANDF, and above all, we have the support of the communities and the municipalities. When it comes to assisting people in dire need, as is the case in Mthatha in the Eastern Cape, this kind of heinous behaviour has to stop. Profiteering from the hardships of people has to stop. We hope we are provided support in all areas where the water mafia is capitalising,' he said. Police Minister, Senzo Mchunu, also strongly condemns the threats and intimidation directed at Gift of the Givers. 'It is alleged that members of a so-called 'water mafia' reportedly linked to service providers contracted by the OR Tambo District Municipality, threatened Gift of the Givers staff as they distributed clean drinking water to residents impacted by the recent floods,' Mchunu said. Mchunu was in Mthatha at the weekend to engage with and thank members of the SAPS for their efforts during the floods, which have, to date, claimed 90 lives and displaced hundreds more. 'The police will not tolerate any attempt to intimidate or obstruct those who are working tirelessly to save lives and bring relief to our people. Gift of the Givers has consistently been a source of hope and dignity to South Africans in their hour of need. Any attack on them is an attack on the very principle of Ubuntu. No individual or group will be allowed to profiteer off disaster or compromise the safety and well-being of our people. Law enforcement will act decisively,' Mchunu said. He further stated the SAPS will ensure the safety of all humanitarian workers in the area and hold those responsible fully accountable under the law. 'We have also been made aware of individuals who go to the homes of those who lost their lives due to these floods, with a view to committing acts of theft from these homes. Police have been deployed to ensure the safety of the property of the deceased,' Mchunu added. Dr Sooliman welcomed the backing by the minister. IOL
IOL News
12-06-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
South Africans unite for national dialogue
Humanitarian and founder of Gift of the Givers, Dr Imtiaz Sooliman. Image: Armand Hough/ Independent Newspapers SOUTH AFRICA belongs to all who live in it, and its citizens have a collective responsibility to address its problems. This was the sentiment of renowned humanitarian, and founder of Gift of Givers, Dr Imtiaz Sooliman who has been named among President Cyril Ramaphosa's Eminent Persons Group, selected to champion the much anticipated National Dialogue. The president first made mention of a National Dialogue during his State of the Nation address in February. The dialogue aims to tackle the persistent challenges faced by the country despite 30 years of democracy including poverty, crime, inequality, unemployment, social divisions and a growing disconnect between citizens and institutions, among others. On Tuesday, Ramaphosa announced 31 names set to champion the initiative. The group includes leaders in civil society, business, labour, religious institutions, cultural workers, sports organisations, women, youth and community voices. Among those on the list are Springbok captain, Siya Kolisi; Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town Thabo Makgoba; former Minister and constitutional negotiator Roelf Meyer; peace activist Ela Gandhi, former MP Lindiwe Mazibuko; Miss South Africa 2024, Mia le Roux; former Constitutional Court judge, Edwin Cameron; chairperson of the National Planning Commission, Professor Tinyiko Maluleke and award-winning actor Dr John Kani. The president said the dialogue would be a 'participatory process' that unfolds in phases, from local consultations and sectoral engagements to provincial and national gatherings. The first National Convention has been scheduled for August 15. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Sooliman expressed enthusiasm about the change this initiative could bring. 'When the government can ask the public for assistance it shows humility. No country can run without citizens getting fully involved. I also want to send a positive message. We always get negative messages; 'oh it can't be done', 'it's a rubber stamp', but I feel this time there can be a difference. We can work together and in the interest of the people of our country. I am interested because I'm a patriot, I know I can add value with my skills. But more than that, the fact that the government came and said can you guys help, it's a big ask.' 'My aim for a start is to develop to see that we have all the right people, there's a youth element missing. Youth are the best people to put forward their own vision and their own complaints. I know it's an eminent persons group, older people are experienced, but you need to get the requirements of young people. 'Secondly I would like them to consult across a wide spectrum. I want to come not only with the problems, I want to come with the solutions. I don't want to be on the rubber stamp committee, when we make a proposal we want to see action. People need help now.' He made an example of water supply problems which needed infrastructure solutions, instead of only providing water bottles which provided short term intervention. 'Several people (in the group) are competent with different experiences. We can do multiple interventions at the same time. 'A lot of people want to give free services, they want to give advice, we need to create the opportunity for that to happen. The fact that they've asked civil society to come and help the government is a great step forward,' Sooliman said. 'There's only one way to build this country. The government is only custodians of this country, it belongs to all of us, we all have a responsibility collectively to make it work. The mechanism has to be there; the government has to allow the door for civil society to come in which they've done now. It's a very bold step, I say let's hold their hand, let's do it together,' he concluded. Banyana Banyana coach, Dr Desiree Ellis said she wanted to contribute and make a meaningful change to the country. Reflecting on her personal experiences she said: 'I think from where I come from, Hanover Park, the communities are not safe. It's not safe for kids, it's not safe for anyone anymore. When I grew up I used to regularly play outside. I don't think it's safe to play outside and I think that needs to change. That has helped me and it has shaped me, I could play outside without fear. (It's) very important for communities to be safe again, where we look out for each other, where we take care of each other. ' For women and sport, Ellis said participation was important. 'There are still some international players that have to pay to participate and I don't think that should happen. (I want) to make sure we also bring sports back into schools. That shaped me, I could participate in sport in school, I played hockey at school, I could do athletics at school. That is the foundation phase.' She added that GBV needed to be addressed urgently. 'That is one of the biggest challenges we face in the country and it's something we need to make a bigger impact in making sure we reduce GBV cases. 'It's important for us all to make a contribution, to make a change. This is our country, we live here, we have a beautiful country and lets get back to making it beautiful again.' Cape Times
