Al-Qalam 
Dr Essack headed the medical team of Gift of the Givers. Dr Aayesha Soni reflects on the time she worked with “Uncle Yakub” as she fondly referred to him.
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.
Every time we’d meet, I’d always (only half) jokingly ask that he remembers 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 alright 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 that uncle Yakub’s passing has left an insufferable blow and absence on all the members. There is a pervading theme that permeates through all the messages of grief- uncle Yakub’s unfaltering sincerity in serving humanity and his kindness to all those around him.
As everybody recollects their fondest memories of him, a magnanimous man who played the role of a fatherly figure to many is easily built, and his willingness to always be a helping hand to those who needed it was a presence which 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 advisor and patient listener. He was a loving husband, father and brother too – his loss will be a huge void for his family, but a massive loss for humanity.
Serving as the head of the Gift of the Givers medical team for the past 32 years, including embracing the taxing role of team leader on a number of international missions, 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 all those around him. This is a rare trait as a leader. His skill set in being able to assemble a group of medical volunteers and equipment efficiently and within short notice was unmatched.
Uncle Yakub 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 and 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 paved the way to show us what it truly means to serve selflessly, and will remain a constant reminder to the testament of what humble dedication and authenticity means.
We live merely in his footsteps, inspired immeasurably by his embodiment of the saying, “Best amongst 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 Aayesha Soni is a specialist neurologist and medical volunteer with Gift of the Givers.
