South African businessman, Raymond Ackerman (92) has died.

South African businessman Raymond Ackerman (92) has died on Wednesday.

BREAKING: SOUTH AFRICAN BUSINESSMAN RAYMOND ACKERMAN HAS DIED

The Managing Director of the Katale Partnership, Nicky Bicket, confirmed his death on Wednesday evening.

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“It is with great sadness that I have to inform you of the passing this evening of the former Patron of the Old Diocesans Union, Raymond Ackerman.”Nicky Bicket

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RAYMOND ACKERMAN WAS THE FOUNDER OF THE PICK AND PAY SUPERMARKET GROUP

Ackerman, the founder of the Pick n Pay supermarket group, celebrated his 92nd birthday earlier this year.

After matriculating from Bishops and graduating from UCT, Raymond went into retail before, in 1966, taking over a very small wholesale chain called Pick ‘n Pay.

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Bicket furthermore said from these beginnings, he built the company into the giant of the South African supermarket sector and one of the most respected retail groups internationally.

ACKERMAN CELEBRATED HIS 92ND BIRTHDAY EARLIER THIS YEAR

“Known for his business acumen, pioneering consumerism, courage in the face of political adversity and discrimination, he was a massive benefactor to Bishops and the ODU and a huge philanthropist.

“Among his many awards, he received the inaugural Robert Gray Medal awarded by Bishops in recognition of his singular achievements, and influence and efforts to make South Africa a better and fairer place.

“He was, as many UK ODs came to know, a great supporter of our Branch and a frequent host and guest at our events and functions.”

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HE RECEIVED THE ROBERT GRAY MEDAL IN RECOGNITION OF HIS SINGULAR ACHIEVEMENTS

He leaves behind his wife, Wendy and children, Gareth, John, Kathy and Suzanne.

“To his wife, Wendy, our sincerest condolences. And to Gareth (S, 1975), John (S, 1984), Kathy and Suzanne, and all his family, our deepest sympathies at this sad time.

“RIP, Raymond. A life well lived.”Nicky Bicket

HE GREW UP TP BECOME ONE OF SA’S MOST ADMIRED BUSINESSMEN

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Ackerman was born on March 10, 1931.

He grew up to become one of South Africa’s most admired businessmen, and is widely respected for his passion for consumer rights and fighting for what he believed was right.

ACKERMAN IS WIDELY RESPECTED FOR HIS PASSION FOR CONSUMER RIGHTS

Ackerman served as chairperson for 40 years and retired 10 years ago.

The group boasts 1 900 stores.

Ackerman attributes his success to his strong consumer sovereignty philosophy, and always putting the customer first. Pick n Pay remains a family-controlled business, with his son Gareth the current chairperson.

In 2014, he was awarded the Presidential Award of the Order of the Baobab.