A Tribute to Raymond Ackerman: Celebrating a Pioneer of South African Retail

Raymond Ackerman, the founder of Pick n Pay, one of South Africa’s most respected supermarket chains, passed away at the age of 92 on Wednesday. Following his demise, an outpouring of heartfelt condolences emerged, reflecting the nation’s deep respect for his significant contributions to South Africa and the retail industry during his illustrious career.

From Humble Beginnings to a Retail Empire

Established by Raymond and his wife, Wendy, in Cape Town in 1967, Pick n Pay started with just four stores. Over more than five decades, the Ackerman empire grew to over 2,000 outlets, expanding across South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Nigeria, Eswatini, and Lesotho. The company was operating 20 hypermarkets and 402 supermarkets across South Africa, with a group turnover approaching R50 billion by the time Raymond handed over the chairman position to his son, Gareth.

A Legacy of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

An icon of both the South African and international retail landscapes, Raymond’s innovative spirit and entrepreneurial acumen left an indelible and profound legacy. He was dedicated to creating tens of thousands of jobs through his business ventures and contributing to the South African economy. Raymond consistently supported the development of young South Africans by providing training and leadership development opportunities.

A Champion of Social Justice

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa identified Raymond as an outstanding business leader and entrepreneur who fought against apartheid’s injustices and discrimination while prioritizing people. Western Cape Premier Alan Winde praised the retail magnate’s continuous innovation and growth. Raymond’s commitment to social justice extended to ensuring the affordability of essential products like bread, milk, and chicken. He also opposed the inclusion of value-added tax (VAT) on basic food items. Raymond was a trailblazer in promoting racial equality and was one of the first executives to elevate black South Africans to senior positions and acknowledge black trade unions when such organizations were prohibited in the country.

A Life to Be Remembered

A memorial service to honor and celebrate Raymond Ackerman’s life will be held on Monday, September 11, at 11 am, with a live stream available online. In the meantime, multiple Pick n Pay stores across the nation have set up impromptu memorials to pay tribute to their late founder. As South Africa mourns the loss of a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Raymond Ackerman’s name will forever be remembered and cherished. His legacy as a pioneer in the retail industry and advocate for social justice will continue to resonate comfortably in millions of households across the country.