A gift from the founder of Givers Dr, Imtiaz Sooliman urged South Africans to remain optimistic after a difficult 2022.
South Africans start 2023 with hope and optimism that the year will be one of joy, prosperity for the country.
SA challenge
Dr Sooliman described 2022 as a challenging time for the nation.
“What a roller coaster year this has been. The war in Ukraine spiking fuel, cooking oil and grain prices, 200+ days of load shedding deleteriously affecting water reservoir pumps, hospitals, businesses, and living standards, increased inflation…”
“Rising interest rates, expensive bond repayments, rising food prices, rampant corruption, crime, job losses, unemployment, an unemployed youth population, a collapsing public health system, potholes, hunger, malnutrition, the effects of changing -climate change, GBV and divisive. racist behavior. These are all serious challenges, no doubt, he said.
blessing
Dr Sooliman who leads Gift of the Givers says we need to stay positive.
“We are blessed with faith, spirituality, Ubuntu and resilience. We are not at war, bullets and bombs are not raining on our families, we are not torn by tribal, cultural, religious and sectarian conflicts.
“We have a lot to fix, but the process of reclaiming the country, which is not for the government, but for us, the citizens, has started, we all have to play our part with a positive mindset, knowing that everyone in the government, the SAPS, and Public servants are not corrupt, knowing that people have bad or negative behavior does not necessarily make them bad,” said Dr Sooliman.
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People of the year
Dr. Sooliman who was named ‘Person of the Year’ by the Afrikaans magazine Vrye Weekblad, added that society thrives when it focuses on, encourages and reinforces the good in each individual.
“Spirituality teaches that, and in times of constant emphasis on the good, the good will prevail.”
“We have a beautiful country, warm people, amazing weather and a lot to celebrate. We came through April 27, 1994 without violence, revenge or bloodshed, peaceful and dignified actions of the oppressed masses to the center, our people believe in nation building and bridges,” he said.
Endurance
Dr. Sooliman said, South Africans are resilient.
“We have bumped into the road … State capture, factionalism, xenophobia, and unintelligent Intelligence Service, but we are blessed with the presence of respected, dedicated, loyal, fearless, innovative citizens in the public and private sectors who are patriotic. They are always, together with the contribution we, will fix our country.
He said the country has recovered from its wounds.
“SARS, NPA, Hawks, SIU, Intelligence Services, SAPS, the hospitality industry, SA companies are showing signs of progress. Foreign companies are still looking well in SA, our banking and trade sectors are doing well, agriculture is getting stronger, mining has experienced tremendous growth, house and car sales are increasing, because of our situation, we have a lot to be thankful for. .
South Africa is the largest
Dr Sooliman said South Africa is the greatest country on earth.
“Oil prices have gone down, fuel prices have gone down, charity spending has improved and will increase.
Share the experience, resources, skills and voluntary services of retired doctors, teachers, engineers, accountants and technicians, partnerships between the government, the private sector and civil society, the compassion and generosity of those who are awarded, and return to spirituality, morality, values and ethics is the way to fix and reclaim South Africa, the greatest country on earth, and we are that country.
“We look forward to an extraordinary 2023 for us as a nation and a country,” said Dr Sooliman.
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