Stellenbosch University (SU) has awarded philanthropist and entrepreneur Wendy Ackerman an honorary doctorate in recognition of her decades-long dedication to philanthropy and the empowerment of women.
Ackerman received the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, honoris causa, on Monday during the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences' graduation ceremony.
Ackerman, a trailblazer in retail and philanthropy, has spent over 40 years supporting causes that uplift men, women, children and the arts.
Stellenbosch University said in a statement that in Ackerman’s acceptance speech, she shared her gratitude for the recognition and reflected on her family’s deep ties to SU. She recounted that her father attended SU 100 years ago and that two of her grandchildren graduated from the institution this year, marking a profound generational connection.
Ackerman said, “As someone who has dedicated her life to helping others, she “fought for non-discrimination and getting rid of prejudice, accepting people for who they were, not for their race, their religion. I made education a goal.”
Ackerman’s contributions span many fields. As one of the founders and honorary life president of Pick n Pay, she broke barriers for women in the workplace during the 1970s, pushing for their recognition as senior, career-focused employees—a progressive stance at the time.
The Ackermans helped build one of the country’s pre-eminent fast moving goods company retailers, consisting of around 2 000 stores and employing around 90 000 people.
Her philanthropy has since expanded to various initiatives, particularly in education. Since 1973, Ackerman has funded bursaries for promising students in music and medicine, many of whom have gone on to perform in prestigious opera houses and orchestras globally. She also oversees the Pick n Pay bursary fund, supporting the children of employees.
In addition to her work in education, Ackerman is passionate about environmental conservation and animal welfare. She is a lifelong supporter of the arts in Cape Town, playing a pivotal role in establishing an endowment trust to support the city’s opera and philharmonic orchestra.
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