President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his sadness at the passing of Pick n Pay founder and philanthropist Raymond Ackerman, who was also an esteemed member of the Order of The Baobab..
President @CyrilRamaphosa has expressed his sadness at the passing of Pick n Pay founder and philanthropist Raymond Ackerman, who was also an Esteemed Member of the Order of The Baobab. https://t.co/jOqb0zoDv7
— Presidency | South Africa (@PresidencyZA) September 7, 2023
Obituary – Death News : President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa has expressed his profound sadness following the passing of Raymond Ackerman, the esteemed founder of Pick n Pay and a prominent philanthropist. Ackerman, who was also recognized as a distinguished member of the Order of The Baobab, has left an indelible mark on both the business and humanitarian sectors.
Raymond Ackerman was born on March 10, 1931, in the city of Cape Town, South Africa. From an early age, he exhibited an entrepreneurial spirit and a strong work ethic, which would guide him throughout his illustrious career. After completing his education, Ackerman ventured into the retail industry and joined his father’s grocery business.
In 1967, Ackerman seized a transformative opportunity to purchase four small stores from the Pick n Pay chain and embarked on a remarkable journey of growth and innovation. Under his visionary leadership, Pick n Pay flourished into one of South Africa’s largest and most successful retail giants. Ackerman’s commitment to quality, affordability, and customer satisfaction positioned the company as a household name, earning the trust and loyalty of countless South African consumers.
However, Ackerman’s impact extended far beyond the business realm. Deeply ingrained in his philanthropic endeavors was a fervent desire to uplift and empower disadvantaged communities. With a compassionate heart, he dedicated himself to various charitable causes, focusing on education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation. Through the Raymond Ackerman Foundation, he provided scholarships and mentorship programs to countless young individuals, fostering their personal and professional growth.
Ackerman’s unwavering dedication to social responsibility earned him numerous accolades, including the Order of The Baobab, one of South Africa’s highest honors. This prestigious recognition highlighted his exceptional contributions to the nation and his commitment to building a more equitable society.
As news of Ackerman’s passing reverberates across the nation, tributes pour in from all corners of society. His legacy will be remembered not only through the successful business empire he built but also through the lives he touched and transformed through his philanthropic pursuits.
At the time of this reporting, the cause of Raymond Ackerman’s death has not been disclosed. As the nation mourns the loss of this remarkable individual, his spirit of compassion, innovation, and social responsibility will continue to inspire generations to come.
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President @CyrilRamaphosa has expressed his sadness at the passing of Pick n Pay founder and philanthropist Raymond Ackerman, who was also an Esteemed Member of the Order of The Baobab. bit.ly/3Za19bF