Dr. Imtiaz Sooliman accuses politicians of 'serving themselves, not the people'

In a scathing critique of South Africa's coalition politics, Gift of the Givers (GoTG) founder Dr. Imtiaz Sooliman has called out dysfunctional municipalities and political infighting that leaves millions of citizens underserved. 

Speaking candidly on Tuesday about the state of governance in the country, Sooliman highlighted how power struggles and personal agendas have trumped service delivery, leaving critical decisions—including the national budget—hanging in the balance.

Engaging Sooliman in a discussion about South Africa's apparent leadership vacuum, the conversation focused on recent revelations from the Ad Hoc Committee and the Madlanga Commission, as well as the current political landscape.

During this exchange, the philanthropist stated firmly: “The country is tired of promises, no delivery, corruption and nothing being done about it.”

Sooliman said revelations from KZN police commissioner Lt-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who had made damning allegations against high-ranking police officials and politicians, were a “game changer”. 

“The fact that the rot is being exposed is a good thing. People are becoming more conscious and wanting to do things the right way. All these commissions show that people are taking notice. People say government is corrupt. Government is not corrupt, there are people inside of government that are corrupt.

"Don’t restrict leadership, to political leadership. Leadership is about community. There are a lot of good guys that don’t surface and that comes from every sector of society."

Sooliman said while there are ethical problems, there are also good people trying to do the right thing. 

“The problem is the good guys don’t talk. And now the commissions are coming out. What Mkhwanazi is doing is giving strength to those guys and saying let’s not be afraid anymore. It’s breaking the fear factor,” said Dr Sooliman.

Reflecting on a recent interview he gave where he referred to a “government of selective unity”, he said he maintains his view on coalition governments, adding that GoTG is focused on fixing the country and is not focused on politics. 

“How many municipalities are non-functional? Because politicians are not interested in the country, they are interested in their own egos. Like I said, there are a few good people but you’ll do anything to show up leaders of your party. If you are really committed, let’s work together. 

“Today it’s about showing ‘you’re the bad guy’. It’s always about power, never about the people and this system cannot work. They can’t take a decision, I mean look at the passing of the budget, the most important thing in the country and they can’t pass a budget?"

Sooliman said the unfortunate reality was that when there is a problem and ''three or five people can’t get along, 65 million people pay the price'.

"That cannot work. When you come to government, ask yourself one question - are you coming to serve the people or are you coming to serve yourself? If you are coming to serve yourself, you came to the wrong place,” said Sooliman.

He urged citizens to vote in the upcoming 2026 local government elections and to vote for changemakers in their community, who serve in various structures. 

“Show the political parties a point that if they can’t deliver, you can do it yourself. Then call it a coalition of civil society and at some point it will pass throughout the country. If we do that you will put fear into the guys who have an interest in themselves. At the end of the day we have to choose our own person to serve us,” said Sooliman.

DA provincial leader Tertius Simmers, said he echoed the sentiments of Sooliman. 

“The DA shares Dr Sooliman’s concern for the state of governance in South Africa. That’s why we have long championed a Whole of Society Approach – bringing together civil society, business, and communities to solve problems beyond politics. Where the DA governs, this partnership model works, delivering stability and service instead of chaos and ego. South Africa succeeds when we put people before politics,” said Simmers.

Good Party Secretary-General, Brett Herron said: “Dr Sooliman is correctly voicing the feelings of many South Africans - that politics and the political system has failed them. It is precisely the reason why we need ethical and capable leadership at all spheres of government and it is people of the calibre of Dr Sooliman who we urge to step forward and help us lead this country, and its towns and cities, in the right direction.  

“This is the reason, GOOD, BOSA and RISE have formed Unite for Change - because there are no political saviours coming to rescue us from ineptitude and entitlement. We need capable and ethical leaders to unite with us to change our country.  As we have been saying - politics is too important to be left to politicians.”

chevon.booysen@inl.co.za