A Tribute to a Pioneer: The Legacy of Professor Wilhelm Eckart Kassier
With the passing of Professor Wilhelm Eckart Kassier, South African agricultural economics bids farewell to a transformative figure. A visionary leader, an academic powerhouse, and a champion of market reform, Prof Kassier left an indelible mark on agricultural policy, education, and industry. His influence is not only etched in research papers and policy reports but also in today’s thriving, deregulated agricultural markets.
Fondly called “Algie” by those close to him, Prof Kassier devoted his career to bridging the gap between agricultural economic theory and practical application. His work culminated in the landmark Kassier Report, which laid the foundation for deregulating agricultural markets in the 1990s. At a time when South Africa was undergoing significant political and economic change, his leadership in policy reform helped reshape the agricultural landscape, fostering competition, efficiency, and inclusivity.
Born and raised in the German community of Wartburg, KwaZulu-Natal, his early years shaped his multilingual abilities and deep appreciation for agriculture. A gifted linguist, he was fluent in English, Afrikaans, German, and isiZulu—an ability that later enriched his teaching and engagement with students from diverse backgrounds. After earning his degrees at the University of Natal and the University of Hohenheim in Germany, he took up a position at Stellenbosch University in 1964. Within a year, he was appointed Professor and Head of the Department of Agricultural Economics, a position he held for nearly three decades. His tenure saw the department become a leading centre for agricultural economics research in Africa.
But Prof Kassier was never just an academic. He was a mentor, an innovator, and a problem solver. He supervised countless Master’s and PhD students, shaping the next generation of agricultural economists. His teachings extended beyond university walls, with hundreds of short courses and industry seminars that brought academic insights directly to farmers and agribusiness leaders. His legendary farm management and agricultural policy courses became a rite of passage for many in the sector.
Beyond the classroom, he played a pivotal role in restructuring South Africa’s agricultural marketing system. In 1992, he was tasked with leading the Committee of Inquiry into the Marketing Act, where his keen research and strategic approach played a crucial role in phasing out obsolete control boards. The resulting Agricultural Marketing Products Act of 1996 ushered in a new era of free-market agriculture, ensuring that competition, rather than regulation, drove efficiency and growth.
Even after retirement, Prof Kassier’s expertise remained in demand. He chaired multiple advisory committees, including one that ended the KWV’s monopoly over the wine industry, paving the way for a more dynamic and globally competitive sector. His impact on South African agriculture continues to be felt in anticipated and unexpected ways.
Despite his sharp intellect and high standards, Prof Kassier was known for his wit and warmth. His sense of humour, often laced with irony, made even the most serious discussions engaging. He mentored many, including the late Prof Mohammed Karaan, whom he supported as the first student of colour in the department and whose career was profoundly shaped by Kassier’s guidance.
Prof Kassier’s legacy is defined by his bold vision, relentless pursuit of reform, and unwavering commitment to excellence. His contributions helped shape an industry that continues to evolve, benefiting millions of South Africans. As we reflect on his life, we honour not only his achievements but also the values he instilled—rigour, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to progress.
The agricultural economics profession has lost a giant. Stellenbosch University has lost a cornerstone of its history. But his influence lives on in every deregulated market, every student he mentored, and the thriving agricultural sector he helped build.
From left to right: Professors Nick Vink, Professor Wilhelm Eckart Kassier and Mohammed Karaan
Professor Wilhelm Eckart Kassier
Based on a piece written for the Agricultural Economics Association of South Africa (AEASA) journa, Agrekon, by Nick Vink (Emeritus Professor, Agricultural Economics, Stellenbosch University) and Johan van Zyl (Co-CEO of African Rainbow Capital and Director of Companies).