Retail giant Pick n Pay confirmed this morning that its founder, Raymond Ackerman, died in Cape Town last night.

With profound sadness we announce that Pick n Pay founder Raymond Ackerman has passed away.
A visionary entrepreneur, humanitarian and a great South African. Our country has lost a brilliant patriot who always saw a positive future for South Africa.🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/Io0uunYhAJ

— Pick n Pay (@PicknPay) September 7, 2023

Pick n Pay said in a statement that Ackerman’s principles guided the company for over 56 years and grew its customer base to millions and its footprint to over 2 000 stores across South Africa.

“He lived by the core values that the customer is queen, that we must treat others as we wish to be treated, and that doing good business is good business,” the statement reads.

Ackerman and his wife Wendy founded Pick n Pay in 1967 in Cape Town.

He is survived by his wife, children Gareth, Kathy, Suzanne and Jonathan, and 12 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Several South Africans have paid tribute to Ackerman on social media since his passing:

South Africa has lost a giant with the passing of Raymond Ackerman.

His impact on retail and his contribution to the South African economy will never be forgotten.

My deepest condolences to his family, friends and faith community. May his soul rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/DGzmsKsbx1

— Mmusi Maimane (@MmusiMaimane) September 7, 2023

RIP Mr Raymond Ackerman. 💔 Condolences to Mrs Ackerman family and friends. #PnP #Ackerman

— Zelda la Grange ©™✌ (@ZeldalaGrangeSA) September 7, 2023

RIP Mr Raymond Ackerman. 💔 Condolences to Mrs Ackerman family and friends. #PnP #Ackerman

— Zelda la Grange ©™✌ (@ZeldalaGrangeSA) September 7, 2023