CGW Schumann

CGW Schumann
1898-1980

Author of academic publications
Professor of Economics at Stellenbosch University, until 1960, and pioneer of the Afrikaans economical movement

Christian Gustav Waldemar Schumann, known as Christie by friends, was born on 17 December 1898 in Klein-Drakenstein, near Paarl. He matriculated from Hoërskool Gymnasium in Paarl and studied in Stellenbosch (BSc, cum laude, in Mathematics and Physics, 1919) and Rotterdam (Ekonomiese Hoogeschool, DComm, 1923). He served Stellenbosch University for 37 years; first as senior lecturer and from 1932 as the first professor in Economics and Dean of the Faculty of Commerce (Handelsfakulteit) which he had helped to establish.
The building where the Faculty of Administration is housed was later given his name: CGW Schumann-gebou.
He was a councillor and member of the university senate, and served as acting rector in 1958.
Schumann was a respected researcher and advisor in economic matters to several institutions, a co-founder of the Afrikaanse Handelsinstituut and the Federal Group of companies and also a director of Trust Bank and other companies.
In 1944 he founded the Buro vir Ekonomiese Ondersoek (Bureau for Economic Research).
Schumann was an excellent sportsman; he played tennis for Stellenbosch and was South African shot-put champion in 1931. He loved fine art and music.
He retired in 1960, but remained chairman of the University convocation until 1977.

CGW Schumann was married to Winifred (Winnie), née Perks, for 52 years, and they had four children. He died on 30 September 1980.

In the case of any country the practical problem will be to keep the action of the State within "legitimate bounds".
CGW Schumann in Structural changes and business cycles in South Africa, 1806-1936

Awards:First to be awarded the Havenga Prize for Economics 1946
Frans du Toit Prize for Business Economics 1963
Doctor honoris causa: Stellenbosch University, 1965, and University of Cape Town, 1967

Books:
Die Kredietmark in Suid-Afrika, De Wester Boekhandel, Rotterdam,1928 (Doctoral thesis)
The World Depression, South Africa and the Gold Standard, Cape Town: Juta, 1932.
Structural changes and business cycles in South Africa, 1806-1936, Staples Press,London, 1938
Die ekonomiese posisie van die Afrikaner, Die Tweede Trek Reeks, 1941-1943, Nasionale Pers, 1940
Ekonomie - 'n Inleidende Studie (Co-authors: Franzsen, DG), 1944 (1957, second edition, co-authors: Franzsen, DG and De Kock, GPC)
Industriële and kommersiële aandeleprysindekse in Suid-Afrika (Co-author: Scheurkogel, A E), 1948
Economic diagnosis and business forecasting with special reference to South Africa (Co-author: van den Bogaerde, F), 1954