Gift of the Givers' Sooliman praises the late Pravin Gordhan for his humility

CAPE TOWN - Gift of the Givers founder, Imtiaz Sooliman, said that Pravin Gordhan's humility, whether admitting to shortfalls in government or seeking advice, was absolutely striking.

The former minister died in hospital surrounded by his loved ones in the early hours of Friday morning after a short battle with cancer.

He was 75.

Gordhan retired from active politics after the general elections earlier this year to spend more time with his family.

Sooliman said that Gordhan played an incredible role in the liberation struggle, as well as the new dispensation, in which he held various portfolios.

READ: Former minister Pravin Gordhan to be laid to rest in Durban on Thursday

"We remember with fondness, every meeting, whether it was at an inauguration, State of the Nation, the Budget Speech or privately at some finance event. What stood out, was his humility. He would come over and over again and thank profusely for the work that Gift of the Givers did in the country."

Sooliman said that Gordhan acknowledged with humility and sincerity, the role the organisation played and where government fell short.

"He was very open about the fact that the government fell short in many areas and appreciated that we stood in to assist where government fell short and to act in the interest of the country and the people."

Sooliman said that they shared many private conversations.

"I remember the last one, it was around April 2022, soon after the floods (in KZN). He called and said: 'What do you think would be the best type of intervention? What are you busy with? Which is the way forward?' And very humbly, he accepted and listened very carefully to what I was saying. I appreciated that about the man. He never put himself above things that he was not certain of, always keen to listen, to get an opinion and to show gratitude for what was being done for the country."