Pick n Pay founder Raymond Ackerman dies

His death was confirmed by the retailer on social media on Thursday morning.

"With profound sadness we announce that Pick n Pay founder Raymond Ackerman has passed away," the group said in a short statement.

"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."

Ackerman had brought four Pick n Pay  stores in Cape Town in 1967 with his wife, Wendy, and from there became a visionary entrepreneur in the country.

Apart from steering the Pick n Pay ship, Ackerman was also actively involved in the campaign for equal opportunities in South Africa since the 1970s, and was critical of apartheid laws and regulations.

In 1989, Raymond Ackerman and a group of businessmen met newly appointed President FW de Klerk at Pick n Pay’s Cape Town office, where they told De Klerk that Nelson Mandela should be released from prison and apartheid be scrapped.

Ackerman leaves behind his wife Wendy, four children, twelve grandchildren and four great grandchildren.