The Department of Viticulture and Oenology hosted a heritage month celebration in collaboration with Gift of the Givers Foundation at an event hosted in the SU Library Auditorium, where Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, the Founder, served as the keynote speaker. Gift of the Givers Foundation is the largest disaster response organisation in Africa, with both national and international reach.

The theme for this year’s heritage month celebration was Inclusivity and the participation of the Gift of the Givers Foundation was fitting, as the organisation’s ethos is to serve all people unconditionally, irrespective of race, religion, colour, class, political affiliation or geographic location. Founded in 1992 by Dr Sooliman, a medical doctor by profession, the foundation has a national and international footprint, operating across South Africa, Africa, and in over 45 countries worldwide.

Since its inception, the organisation has been responsible for the delivery of life-saving goods and on-the-ground support, valued at approximately R4.5 billion, in more than 45 countries, including South Africa. One of the organisation’s key portfolios is Hunger Alleviation, providing much needed services to the vulnerable and malnourished communities. It is envisaged that further discussions will be held with the foundation on this topic, as it is recognised that the agricultural industry and agricultural knowledge plays a vital role in combating household food security in marginalised communities.