Renowned South African economist Mike Schüssler passed away, reports confirmed on Tuesday.
Mike Schüssler dies: What’s the cause of death?
In a tweet Schüssler posted back in March 2022, hints were found on the likely cause of his death.
SA inflation lower than world inflation for 1st time in 18 years. what does that mean for the Rand? Is SA the lucky country this year? Doing this as a service today as still sick but getting back now – Beating cancer pic.twitter.com/Xs7H9fndTE
— mike schussler (@mikeschussler) March 14, 2022
The economist’s wife Greta Moodie confirmed, in a statement posted on social media, that Schüssler did, in fact, lose his life to cancer.
“I am absolutely broken this morning. My dearest, kindest, most wonderful husband, Mike Schussler passed away this morning after a very short battle with cancer. I have lost the love of my life and South Africa has lost a giant. RIP my dearest Babe. I love you more than words can say,” she said.
Schüssler is survived by his second wife Moodie, his two stepdaughters and his son from a previous marriage.
Mike Schüssler biography
Those with a keen interest in South Africa’s economy and its relationship with global markets would have been struck by the death of Schüssler. Thousands of his followers relied heavily on the infographics he posted daily.
Schüssler was a multi-award-winning economist whose career started in October 1989 at Transnet. He spent seven years at the state parastatal before moving to the private sector, where he worked for a number of companies as a senior economist, including Media24.
Schüssler took his commercial expertise to his very own consultancy, Economists.co.za, where he provided expert forecasting for private clients.
Social media reactions to Schüssler death
The revered economist’s death sent shockwaves across social media. Here are some reactions to the tragic news:
Johann Abrie
— Julian Jansen (@JulianJansen) May 24, 2022
18 m ·
How awfully sad to hear of the sudden passing of economist Mike Schussler after a short battle with cancer. pic.twitter.com/HVS8fg7Tce
Really sad to hear that @mikeschussler has passed away. Loved his analysis and enjoyed talking with him at the many conferences that I would meet him at. Also enjoyed the #twitter banter. RIP. Condolences to his family and friends.
— Nils Flaatten (@NilsFlaatten) May 24, 2022
A great loss to the SA economy!
— CGF (@CGFResearch) May 24, 2022
Mike Schussler was never afraid to state the facts, especially the manner in which #corruption in SA, facilitated by many officials in government, impact the economy and the poorest of poor!
RIP. https://t.co/W02DEMQiIy
Very sad news about Mike Schussler. A great man, and a master of economics.
— Christopher Fry (@1ChrisFry) May 24, 2022
He will be sorely missed.
May he Rest in Peace and Rise in Glory.
Sincere condolences to his family.