By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The memorial service of Raymond Ackerman was held in Cape Town on Monday morning, where close family including his children and grandchildren paid tribute to the philanthropist.
Ackerman passed away on 6 September at the age of 92.
He has been described as a visionary entrepreneur, humanitarian and a great South African.
Gareth Ackerman was one of the early speakers who took to the podium, where he shared fond memories of his father. He was followed by former Managing Director of Pick n Pay, Hugh Herman, who told the attendees of the great ventures he embarked on together with Raymond.
He paid homage to the good husband Raymond was to his wife Wendy, stating he always consulted her when it came to business decisions and took her advice seriously.
Pick n Pay Director, Audrey Mothupi, also took to the stadium where she related how when she was due to meet Wendy and Raymond Ackerman in her final rounds of interviews, Raymond himself had made her a cup of tea before he and Wendy took the opportunity to get to know her.
“I will always remember this act of humility,” she had said.
Grandchildren Nicolas and Guss also shared happy memories with their grandfather, who they lovingly called ‘gramps’. They recalled how he was an avid golfer and an institutional figure – one whom they had to share with the rest of South Africa.
The Herzlia Vocal Ensemble from the Herzlia School graced the stage with a traditional Jewish rendition.
Under his guidance, Pick n Pay grew into one of Africa’s largest supermarket chains, with a turnover of R37 billion in 2006. The company operated more than 124 supermarkets, 14 hypermarkets, and 179 franchised outlets, employing more than 30 000 people across various African countries.
Ackerman is survived by his wife, Wendy, four children, 12 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
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Video Courtesy of SABC.