Imtiaz Sooliman, founder of Gift of the Givers
Image: File
Humanitarian leader Dr Imtiaz Sooliman and musician Cornelius George Werner will be awarded honorary doctorates from the University of Cape Town during their autumn graduation ceremonies next week.
Sooliman, founder of Gift of the Givers, will be awarded the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (honoris causa) on Monday for his humanitarian work, while the degree of Doctor of Music (honoris causa) will be conferred on Werner on Wednesday, in recognition of his contribution to South African jazz.
UCT vice-chancellor Professor Mosa Moshabela said the honours recognise two individuals whose work has had a lasting societal impact.
“These two distinguished South Africans have shaped lives, strengthened communities and advanced values that lie at the heart of our institution. Through very different fields, they demonstrate what it means to lead with purpose and to serve society with integrity,” said Moshabela.
An honorary doctorate is the highest recognition that UCT confers, acknowledging individuals whose lives and work have made sustained and meaningful contributions to society.
“By honouring Dr Sooliman and Mr Werner, we affirm that humanitarian leadership and cultural stewardship are central to building a just, creative and humane society. We also send a message to our students and graduates that excellence must be matched by service, and talent must be guided by values,” said Moshabela.
Sooliman, who heads the largest disaster-response organisation in Africa, has for more than three decades dedicated his life to humanitarian service without discrimination.
After qualifying in medicine at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, he established a private practice before leaving it in 1994 to focus fully on humanitarian work.
Under his leadership, Gift of the Givers has delivered more than R6 billion in aid and responded to crises in 47 countries. Its interventions have included the deployment of a containerised mobile hospital in Bosnia, support for communities affected by natural disasters in South Africa, and assistance during international crises in countries such as Haiti, Turkey, Somalia, Gaza and Syria. The organisation also supported 210 hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“In recognising Dr Sooliman, we affirm our commitment to engaged citizenship and service. His life reminds us that knowledge and expertise carry a responsibility to advance the public good,” said Moshabela.
Musician Cornelius George Werner
Image: File
Werner, born in Mthatha in the Eastern Cape and raised in Athlone, Cape Town, is a self-taught pianist who has performed with leading South African jazz musicians, including Winston Mankunku, Ezra Ngcukana, Duke Ngcukana, Robbie Jansen, Errol Dyers, Sylvia Mdunyelwa, Tandie Klaasen and Donald Tshomela.
In addition to his performance career, Werner has worked extensively as an educator and mentor, supporting young musicians in communities across Cape Town and participating annually in the Makhanda National Youth Jazz Festival.
He has also contributed to preserving South Africa’s jazz heritage by transcribing and archiving works by prominent artists, with materials now held by the National Library Service.
He has also made significant contributions through initiatives such as Musical Action for People’s Progress and as co-founder of The Little Giants with Ezra Ngcukana.
“He has mentored generations of musicians who have gone on to national and international stages. Through his teaching, he has shaped not only musicians but also responsible citizens who carry forward our cultural legacy,” said Moshabela.