Fighter, philanthropist, trailblazer: Wendy Ackerman’s enduring impact

“I’ve never done anything to be thanked. I’ve just done the things I’ve done because I’ve felt the need for them.” 

These are the words of Wendy Ackerman, the powerhouse co-founder and honorary life president of Pick n Pay stores, upon receiving one of the Kirsh Family Lifetime Achievement Awards at the Investec Jewish Achiever Awards on 2 November. 

“Looking back on my life, both Raymond and I, as very young people, had nasty antisemitic experiences, which, in both our cases, although we know each other, changed our lives,” she said from her home in Cape Town, “I’ve spent the rest of my life fighting discrimination and prejudice, and that has led me into all kinds of new avenues in fighting apartheid, helping people who have not been able to help themselves, and trying to improve things generally for people.” 

Ackerman, together with her late husband, Raymond, established retail giant Pick n Pay in 1967; however, for her, the most important part of the business has been the ability to give back to the wider community. 

Wendy’s daughter, Suzanne Ackerman, chairperson of the Ackerman Pick n Pay Foundation, who accepted the award on her mother’s behalf, said, “My mother is actually the foundation for my dad’s success.” 

Ackerman has spent her entire life working not only in the commercial space with the establishment of Pick n Pay as a retail juggernaut, but in philanthropic efforts, championing women’s rights and education. 

Ackerman fought against apartheid by hiring black store managers and providing housing for them. She also co-founded the 1000 Women Trust to fight gender-based violence and provide resources, including shelters, advice centres, and survivor support initiatives. Similarly, she founded a school for autistic children inspired by her domestic worker’s grandson, who is autistic. 

“I’ve also been involved in education because I believe that education is the answer to so many of our problems, and people who haven’t had the opportunity cannot have the doors opened that are opened for them,” she said. 

At 89, Ackerman has worked all her life, and still enjoys working. “I enjoy challenging and being challenged. I left school, and was determined never to be bored again, and I haven’t been bored again,” she said. 

“Her day is active,” Suzanne said “She actively exercises. She drives my dad’s golf cart around the garden. She’s a passionate gardener, and her garden is magnificent. She goes on her own to do shopping to help a family in need. She doesn’t send anybody to do it, she’ll do it herself. She’ll get in her car with her driver, and go to the hypermarket and do the shopping for someone in need.” 

Upon receiving the award, Suzanne said with tears in her eyes, “Mom, this is for you. You deserve it.”