Department mourns loss of Rudolf Gouws

The Department of Economics sadly learned of the recent passing of Rudolf Gouws. He had a deep and long-lasting relationship with the Department, initially as student (completing his Master's degree in 1971) and later as honourary professor. He was also a member of the BER governance committee and was always willing to share his extensive knowledge of economic policy and its practical application with students. He was well known for his lucid and engaging presentations in economics, particularly relating data from the national accounts to various developments in economic policy and international developments. He often presented his analysis to colleagues at the BER and the department, including special lectures to both undergraduate and postgraduate students in economics, who enthusiastically soaked up his first-hand accounts of developments in the South African economy, thus inspiring many to further their careers in economics themselves.

His professional career as economist included positions at several important institutions such as Standard Bank, Senbank and Nedbank. But he will be best remembered for his role as chief economist of Rand Merchant Bank, a position he held since 1986. Rudolf was also instrumental in guiding economic policy during the democratic transition, in his capacity as Nedlac member, and later when he chaired the Economic Policy Committee of Business SA from 1996 to 2003. His easy manner and well-liked personality helped him to forge relationships across the political spectrum and attain much-needed consensus during difficult times.

When Rudolf and his wife Sonia moved to Stellenbosch after his formal retirement from RMB, he remained active as an economist and also became involved in supporting music, art and theatre. He was actively involved in the SU Conservatorium, he was the chairperson of the Woordfees Advisory Committee, he was curator for the RMB art collection and became an accomplished sculptor himself (see for example here and here).

Prof Gouws will be missed by his colleagues at the Department and all the students whose lives he touched.

(Thanks to Nicola Theron for contributing to this article.)