Pick n Pay founder Raymond Ackerman described as a visionary

September 7, 2023 189

Tributes have been pouring in for the late retail giant, Raymond Ackerman, who has been described as a business visionary.

Ackerman, who led one of the largest supermarket chains in Africa, passed away at the age of 92.

The Pick n Pay founder’s death was announced on X [formerly Twitter].

Pick n Pay says the country has lost a brilliant patriot, who always saw a positive future for South Africa.

With profound sadness we announce that Pick n Pay founder Raymond Ackerman has passed away.
A visionary entrepreneur, humanitarian and a great South African. Our country has lost a brilliant patriot who always saw a positive future for South Africa.🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/Io0uunYhAJ

— Pick n Pay (@PicknPay) September 7, 2023

Ackerman bought four Cape Town stores named Pick n Pay in 1967 and then opened South Africa’s first Hypermarket situated in Boksburg in 1975.

The retail store currently has a R17 billon market cap with more than 2 000 stores across South Africa and seven other African countries.

Leader of Build One South Africa, Mmusi Maimane, says Ackerman fought tirelessly for the rights of consumers, pioneering cheaper house brands and sparking a fight with government to supply cheaper petrol to consumers.

My mother worked as cashier at Pick and Pay and she was able to provide for her family because of the employment that his company created.

In my meetings with Mr Ackerman, I came to recognise and appreciate the giant of a human being that he was.

With the passing of Raymond… pic.twitter.com/2YMdlO04HF

— Mmusi Maimane (@MmusiMaimane) September 7, 2023

I want to extend my deepest condolences to Raymond Ackerman’s family and his @PicknPay family. After founding Pick n Pay in 1967 with his wife Wendy, he left an enormous impact on the industry and South African economy. His positive contribution to our society will be his legacy. pic.twitter.com/BNLKtf4j3c

— John Steenhuisen MP (@jsteenhuisen) September 7, 2023

Pick n Pay founder Raymond Ackerman has died.

May his soul rest in peace 🕊️🕊️🕊️ pic.twitter.com/BGRNeQACPa

— The Instigator (@Am_Blujay) September 7, 2023

JUST IN: Retail Giant Raymond Ackerman has passed away at age 92

A man who made his mark in the South African #retail landscape. With over 1600 PnP stores across South Africa, the @PicknPay company has a R17 billion market cap.

RIP to the legendary founder & owner – Raymond… pic.twitter.com/78mN4PdFGs

— Ash Müller (@askashbroker) September 7, 2023