South Africa is mourning the loss of Raymond Ackerman, the visionary founder of Pick n Pay. Ackerman passed away at the age of 92, leaving behind a legacy of entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and service to his country.
A Passion for Business
Raymond Ackerman was born into a family with a history in retail, and he displayed a passion for business from an early age. In 1967, he and his wife, Wendy, launched Pick n Pay, starting with four stores in Cape Town. Over the next five decades, the supermarket chain expanded rapidly and now operates over 2000 outlets across South Africa and beyond.
A Dedication to Economic and Social Progress
Ackerman’s dedication to South Africa was not limited to the business world. He fought tirelessly for economic fairness, engaging in over two dozen legal battles against the government on price cutting. Moreover, he advocated for social progress, calling for Nelson Mandela’s release shortly after FW de Klerk’s appointment as president.
Empowering Future Generations
Ackerman believed in empowering future generations, and in 2004, he established the Raymond Ackerman Academy for Entrepreneurial Development. The academy has since produced hundreds of successful business owners.
A Legacy of Achievement
By the time Ackerman retired from the board of Pick n Pay Stores in 2010, the company had grown to 20 hypermarkets and 402 supermarkets across South Africa, generating a turnover of nearly R50 billion. Ackerman’s son, Gareth, took up the mantle as chairman.
Personal Interests and Accomplishments
Ackerman’s personal interests included golf, a passion inherited from his father, who founded Clovelly Golf Club, South Africa’s first non-racial golf club. He was an avid sports enthusiast and academic, earning him seven honorary doctorates from both local and international universities.
A True Capetonian
Tributes poured in for the late entrepreneur, with Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis expressing his sympathies to the family and celebrating Ackerman’s remarkable legacy. Hill-Lewis referred to him as a “true Capetonian” who made significant contributions to the city’s economy and civic life.
A Legacy That Will Continue to Inspire
Raymond Ackerman’s passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire and shape the retail landscape in South Africa for generations to come. He is survived by his wife, Wendy, their four children, twelve grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
