We’ve lost our ‘uncle in the economics business’

It is with great sadness that I heard of Mike Schüssler’s passing this morning.

He was one of the best economists in South Africa and a friend of many years.

In many ways, he was much more than a mere economist, and I regarded him more as an economic statistician.

He was almost an abacus rolling down the stairs …  someone who could from memory recall detailed economic data from many years ago. For example, during a debate on television once he quoted numerous economic indicators from a decade before to nullify another participant’s argument. I can still remember the way the whole panel looked at him in puzzled amazement.

This trait, combined with his knowledge of the economy, made him a remarkable economist.

Mike was almost the ‘uncle in the economics business’. He was a household name, and people trusted his opinions because he spoke a language everyone in the country could understand.

He was also one of the first economists many journalists would phone to get a comment on developments. I am also sure many other economists listened to his views before formulating their own opinions.

He also did not always follow the middle road. He would write articles which contained factual proof of the status of our economy, which were in stark contradiction of popular perceptions. They were views from left field which may have, and correctly so, influenced policy formulation.

When I asked him where he found the statistics he based the article on, he would be almost indignant: “It is Stats SA data. It is in an annexure other people do not read.”

In this context, South Africa has lost an almost contrarian view of our complicated economy.

Mike also wore his emotions on his sleeve.

Many years ago, Mike and I worked on publishing several provincial Business Barometers. They were specially designed indices which measured economic activity levels in various provinces around the country. Mike developed the indices, and we undertook a roadshow to try and find a sponsor.

The first pitstop was in Cape Town, where we were due to meet the economic development agency Wesgro. However, the meeting was cancelled while we were standing in the foyer of the organisation’s head office, and it was evident from the interaction with the receptionist that the Wesgro officials forgot about the meeting.

The meeting was hastily rescheduled for the next day, and when we eventually sat down at a conference table, Mike unambiguously expressed his extreme dismay with Wesgro’s conduct and equalled it to poor service delivery. Needless to say, the meeting did not last long, and Wesgro did not become a sponsor.

As we walked out, he remarked: “Maybe I shouldn’t have done that … Can I buy you lunch?”

I want to express my condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.

We have lost a big one. Rest in peace Mike.