By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Tributes and condolences messages are streaming in for the entrepreneur and founder of giant retailer Pick n Pay, Raymond Ackerman.
Ackerman died on Thursday morning at the age of 92.
His death was confirmed by the retailer on social media on Thursday morning.
“With profound sadness, we announce that Pick n Pay founder Raymond Ackerman has passed away,” the group said in a short statement.
“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.”
Ackerman bought four Pick n Pay stores in Cape Town in 1967 with his wife, Wendy, and from there, became one of the country’s most successful entrepreneurs.
Tributes for the retail icon
Action SA’s leader Herman Mashaba, who founded the Black Like Me company during apartheid, described Ackerman as an entrepreneur who revolutionised consumer retail in the country.
“His dedication to the South African people saw him go head-to-head with the Apartheid government over its race-based policies and fought no less than 27 court battles to help decrease prices for consumers.
“Raymond represents the entrepreneurial spirit that ActionSA values and seeks to achieve, and we honour his unwavering patriotism to South Africa and its people.”
The African National Congress (ANC) also hailed Ackerman as a leader in the business community and a philanthropist.
“Raymond Ackerman is credited with community development initiatives from which he received many accolades and awards. One of his most notable contributions is the Raymond Ackerman Academy of Entrepreneurial Development responsible for the training of future managers and leaders in South Africa.
“In recognition of his involvement and contribution to the country’s prosperity, business and community development, the South African government bestowed him with one of the country’s highest honours, the Order of the Baobab.”
Chief economist at Efficient Group Dawie Roodt says aspiring business people and entrepreneurs could learn a lot from Ackerman.
“This is a huge loss for South Africa. Raymond Ackerman was an amazing entrepreneur and an example of somebody who could build a business from really tiny begins to a huge business in the end. He should be included in the curriculum of the MBA studies. He was a real giant in retail marketing.”
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde has expressed his sincerest condolences to the family, loved ones, and colleagues of the late Ackerman.
“Ackerman was an icon of not just the South African business world but the international retail landscape too. He left an indelible and profound legacy, constantly innovating and growing.”
Winde says he displayed an incredible entrepreneurial spirit and talent that has endured throughout the years and will continue to do so, leading the way for budding entrepreneurs.
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis says Ackerman was a ‘truly great Capetonian’ who leaves a ‘huge legacy’.
“My sincere condolences to the family and to Pick n Pay on the passing of Raymond Ackerman. My thoughts go out in particular to Wendy Ackerman and their four children.
“He was a truly great Capetonian! Raymond leaves a huge legacy in the economy of our country and the civic life of our city.”