Raymond Ackerman

He married his wife Wendy with whom he had four children, Suzanne, Kathryn, Jonathan, and Gareth. He was a member of Temple Israel, a progressive synagogue in Cape Town. His wife and children are also involved in Pick n Pay, working for the retailer or its charity.

Death

Raymond Ackerman died on 6 September 2023, at the age of 92. His death was announced that same day by the managing director of the Katale Partnership, Nicky Bicket. His synagogue released a statement; “Temple Israel mourns the passing of our beloved member and patron. His and Wendy’s mark is found all over South Africa in the staff trained, organisations started, charities supported, and businesses incubated. No less in the Jewish community, where their concerns have always been around education, inspiration, and inclusivity.”

In September 2023, Pick n Pay staff across South Africa attended a memorial service for Ackerman. Stores opened later than usual to allow employees to participate. The service featured performances by the Herzlia School choir and readings of Jewish prayers by a chaplain. At the time of Ackerman's death, more than 50 years after he founded Pick n Pay, the company had expanded to more than 2,000 stores across South Africa.

The Ackerman family's support for the Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital dates to Gus's involvement in funding its establishment in 1956. In 2006, the Ackermans donated R4 million to the hospital. Pick 'n Pay was very involved with Cape Town's bid to bring the 2004 Summer Olympics to South Africa. On 14 February 2005, the Raymond Ackerman Academy of Entrepreneurial Development opened in Cape Town to develop business skills and train future managers and leaders for South Africa.