The University of Cape Town (UCT), one of South Africa's premier higher education institutions, has found itself at the center of a heated debate following its decision to confer an honorary Doctor of Philosophy degree on Dr. Imtiaz Sooliman, the founder of the nonprofit organization Gift of the Givers. The award, presented during a graduation ceremony on March 30, 2026, recognizes Sooliman's decades-long contributions to humanitarian aid both locally and globally. However, the decision has sparked significant backlash from segments of the UCT community, including alumni, staff, and students, who argue that it overlooks controversial political statements attributed to the recipient.
This controversy highlights ongoing tensions within South African universities, particularly around issues of academic recognition, political expression, and international conflicts such as the Israel-Palestine situation. As UCT navigates its role as a public institution committed to values like dignity, equality, and freedom, the backlash raises questions about the criteria for honorary awards and their impact on campus dynamics and external relationships.
Understanding UCT's Honorary Doctorate Tradition
Honorary doctorates represent the highest accolade a university like UCT can bestow on individuals outside academia whose lives exemplify exceptional societal contributions. At UCT, these degrees honoris causa are awarded to those who have made 'sustained and meaningful' impacts aligning with the university's mission of engaged citizenship and public good advancement. The selection process involves nominations reviewed by a committee, often contentious, requiring a minimum threshold of support from the university council or senate. Vice-Chancellor Professor Mosa Moshabela emphasized that Sooliman's recognition 'affirms UCT's commitment to service,' underscoring how such awards bridge academia and societal action.
Historically, UCT has honored diverse figures, from political leaders to philanthropists, reflecting South Africa's complex post-apartheid landscape. Recent recipients include global humanitarians and local activists, but the process demands scrutiny to ensure alignment with institutional values amid polarized public discourse.
Past awards have occasionally stirred debate, but the Sooliman case stands out due to its intersection with geopolitical sensitivities prevalent in South African higher education.
Dr. Imtiaz Sooliman's Journey to Humanitarian Leadership
Born in Potchefstroom and raised in Durban, Dr. Imtiaz Sooliman qualified as a medical doctor from the University of Natal in 1984. His early life was marked by community involvement through sports like soccer and squash, alongside spiritual influences from Sufi teachings and family values emphasizing dignity through employment and aid. In 1992, inspired by a trip to Istanbul, he founded Gift of the Givers (GotG), initially as a volunteer disaster relief network, which has evolved into Africa's largest aid organization of its kind.
Sooliman's personal ethos—rooted in Islamic principles of compassion—drives GotG's rapid response model. He has received national honors like the Order of the Baobab (Silver) and the President's Order of the Star of South Africa, alongside international acclaim such as the Global Citizen Award. His narrative from 'Saturday squash to humanitarian example' resonates as a story of grassroots impact scaling to global reach.
Gift of the Givers: A Pillar of South African Philanthropy
GotG has delivered over R6 billion in aid across 47 countries, responding to floods, earthquakes, famines, conflicts, and pandemics. In South Africa, it supported UCT after the 2021 fire, provided oxygen to 210 hospitals during COVID-19, and aided flood victims. Globally, operations in Haiti, Turkey, Somalia, Gaza, and Syria showcase its logistical prowess and partnerships with governments and NGOs.
The organization's hallmark is non-discriminatory aid, though critics question this in conflict zones. GotG's integrity is praised by international bodies, positioning it as a model for faith-based humanitarianism in higher education discussions on civic engagement.
The Announcement and Ceremony Details
UCT announced the award on March 26, 2026, with the ceremony held four days later. Sooliman's citation lauded his 'practical expression of constitutional values.' The event proceeded amid whispers of contention, as council deliberations reportedly passed by the slimmest margin, reflecting internal divisions.
Sparking the Backlash: The Open Letter
Shortly after the announcement, an open letter garnered nearly 300 signatures from UCT alumni, staff, students, and donors. Titled a 'betrayal of UCT,' it condemned the award for honoring someone accused of antisemitism and partisan aid. Social media amplified the debate, with X (formerly Twitter) posts questioning the scale—critics called 300 signatures insufficient for 'backlash,' while others highlighted influential voices.
Core Criticisms: Antisemitism Allegations Unpacked
Central to the outcry are Sooliman's statements, notably his October 2025 UCT lecture where he declared himself '5000% antisemitic' to defy 'Zionist' silencing tactics. Critics interpret this as overt antisemitism, citing tropes about Jewish control via 'fear and money,' pro-Hamas rally appearances, and GotG's social media posts ignoring Israeli victims post-October 7, 2023.
- Links to Al Aqsa Foundation and Union of Good, US-designated terror financiers.
- Preference for 'Koranic law' over international norms.
- Aid alleged bias: Gaza focus without equivalent Israeli support.
Leaders like Joshua Schewitz (SA Zionist Federation) called it an 'insult to Jewish students,' warning of donor flight. David May (FDD) labeled Sooliman a 'virulent antisemite.'
For deeper insight, read the South African Jewish Report analysis.
Sooliman and Supporters' Perspectives
Sooliman clarifies 'antisemitic' as anti-Zionist rhetoric, emphasizing GotG's apolitical aid. Supporters like constitutional expert Pierre de Vos and authors Imraan Coovadia and Steven Robins argue separation of humanitarianism from politics, praising UCT's decision as principled.
UCT's Official Stance and Internal Dynamics
UCT defends the award as unrelated to politics, focusing on aid impact. However, context includes prior Gaza resolutions boycotting Israeli scholars, leading to donor losses (e.g., Donald Gordon Foundation) and US grant declines. Council ties to GotG raised conflict concerns.
Parallels in South African Higher Education
This echoes tensions at other SA universities like Stellenbosch and Wits over Israel-Palestine, affecting academic freedom and funding. UCT's case underscores challenges in balancing inclusivity with reputational risks in polarized environments.
Potential Impacts on UCT's Future
Critics predict further donor withdrawals amid financial pressures, while supporters see it bolstering UCT's social justice credentials. Long-term, it may prompt honorary degree policy reviews for clearer political neutrality criteria.
Explore UCT's full list of honorary graduates for context.
Towards Constructive Dialogue in Higher Education
As South African universities grapple with these issues, fostering multi-perspective forums could mitigate divisions. UCT's experience offers lessons in transparent award processes and stakeholder engagement to sustain trust.
Photo by Sibusiso Mbatha on Unsplash