Tributes have poured in for Dr Yakub Essack, who died from a massive heart attack on 1 May after leading the Gift of the Givers medical team for four years.
In Daily Maverick, Gift of the Givers founder Dr Imtiaz Sooliman pays tribute to his friend of 32 years, while neurologist and Gift of the Givers volunteer Dr Aayesha Soni salutes “a humble legend who served humanity”.
Soni writes:
Being a junior member of the Gift of the Givers medical team, my interactions with Dr Yakub Essack, fondly known to us younger ones as Uncle Yakub, were always pleasant.
Whenever we met, I’d always (only half) jokingly ask him to remember to pick me for the next medical mission, and despite my persistence, I would always be met with a warm smile and reassurance that I wouldn’t be forgotten. It was the type of smile that made you feel everything would be all right – for the mere fact that he was in charge.
Reading through the messages on the core medical Gift of the Givers group, it’s clear his passing has left an insufferable blow on all of the members.
There is a pervading theme that permeates the messages of grief: Uncle Yakub’s unfaltering sincerity in serving humanity and his kindness to all those around him.
He was a magnanimous man who played the role of a fatherly figure to many, and his willingness to always lend a helping hand to those who needed it was consistent in his personal and professional life. Working with Gift of the Givers gives you a second family, and Uncle Yakub was undoubtedly a dad to so many – a confidant, sound adviser and patient listener.
He was a loving husband, father and brother too. His loss will leave a huge void for his family, and be a massive loss for humanity. He paved the way to show us what it truly means to serve selflessly.
Serving as the head of the Gift of the Givers medical team for 32 years, including embracing the taxing role of team leader on numerous international missions, and Uncle Yakub’s fierce dedication to serving humanity is what drove him.
However, he managed to infuse this passion with a gentle and caring nature, making him both responsible and approachable to everyone around him.
This is a rare trait in a leader. His skill set in being able to assemble a group of medical volunteers and equipment efficiently and at short notice was unmatched.
He will always be one of the foundation blocks upon which Gift of the Givers was built – an organisation which has helped so many and through which his memory will be immortalised.
Yakub Essack was a giant of a man who lived a life of sincerity, devotion to others and sincere humility. He will always remain the epitome of what the next generation aspires to be. He showed us what it truly means to serve selflessly, and will remain a constant reminder of what humble dedication and authenticity mean.
We live merely in his footsteps, inspired immeasurably by his embodiment of the saying: “Best among you are those who benefit mankind.”
He has left a legacy of unmatched kindness in doing so. Truly, some men are indispensable and he is one of them.
Dr Imtiaz Solomon writes:
We will remember Dr Yakub Essack as a brother, friend, companion, dedicated community member, pure soul, and sincere, humble, compassionate human being, ever willing to assist the elderly, orphans, widows and just about anyone in need.
He led our medical teams on numerous international missions, won the hearts of those he served, and was most approachable to team members as a counsellor in cases of secondary traumatisation.
Ever willing to offer a listening ear, a gentle word and a warm embrace, he was a human par excellence. He has been called to the Almighty, to the Realm of Peace, Light and Blessings.
May he be received with extended arms in the highest abode of bliss called Janaatul Firdose. May he be blessed and welcomed by the Almighty for his exceptional service to family, friends, community, country and humanity.
We say goodbye to a most incredible human being. May the Almighty grant ease to his dear family. We were friends for 32 years.
Dr Imtiaz Sooliman is the founder of Gift of the Givers. Dr Aayesha Soni is a specialist neurologist and medical volunteer with Gift of the Givers.
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