These are the words of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI), Alan Mukoki who was on the OFM Business Hour to celebrate the legacy and entrepreneurial contributions of Ackerman. He died on 7 September at the age of 92. 

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

Mukoki and company says “Ackerman was an entrepreneur par excellence and a giant of the business and SA community who was a pioneer and innovator in business. The many jobs created by PnP, millions of taxes generated to the fiscus by the PnP ecosystem over the years, and the creation of the many businesses that are dependent on PnP, are a testament to his pedigree, excellence and massive contribution to SA”.

SACCI and Cosatu pay tribute to the founder of Pick n Pay, Raymond Ackerman, and reflect on his legacy.https://t.co/lFe7dRpUhQ@MthoXulu

— SAfrican Chamber (@SACCIza) September 10, 2023

ALSO READ: Pick n Pay pilots cryptocurrency payments in 39 stores

The SACCI CEO stresses the importance of supporting SA entrepreneurs to reach Ackerman's level of success because they are the heartbeat of the local economy.

OFM Business Hour