Vice-Chancellor's Medal for Ackerman

Wendy Ackerman (left) was recently honoured by UCT when she received the Vice-Chancellor's Medal, awarded to an alumna or alumnus who has made a distinguished contribution to society.

Vice-Chancellor Dr Max Price noted that Ackerman received the medal not just as a philanthropist, but as a human being, for the intelligence, empathy and passion that infuses all of her work, which she has passed on to her children and grandchildren.

Ackerman was the life governor of the former University of Cape Town Foundation. As a founder and executive director of Pick n Pay, Ackerman led the family business to the forefront of social responsibility initiatives, including Pick n Pay becoming the first company in South Africa to offer free antiretrovirals to employees living with HIV/AIDS.