Ramaphosa hails Ackerman’s fight for consumers during apartheid
President Cyril Ramaphosa has hailed the role played by Pick n Pay founder Raymond Ackerman to ease the burden on black South Africans during apartheid.
The entrepreneur passed away on Thursday morning at the age of 92.
READ: Pick n Pay founder Raymond Ackerman dies
In a statement, Ramaphosa said Ackerman was one of the first retailers to fight, on behalf of South African consumers, against the apartheid state’s monopoly on basic goods.
Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya says Ackerman was also one of the first executives to promote black South Africans to senior positions and to acknowledge black trade unions.
"The president mourns with the Ackerman family as they bid farewell to a husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather whose name resounded as comfortably in millions of households around the country."
DA leader John Steenhuisen said Ackerman has left an enormous impact on the retail industry and the South African economy.
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He says a positive contribution to society will be his legacy.
"Raymond Ackerman’s legacy includes a proud commitment to giving back to the community, ensuring that access to opportunity is ever-present for the millions of entrepreneurial South Africans in search of a better life."
