South Africa is mourning the loss of William Smith, a cherished educator known for his profound impact on mathematics and science education.
Smith, who passed away at the age of 85 after a brief battle with cancer, was widely admired for his innovative teaching methods and dedication to his students.
For many years, Smith hosted a popular educational program on SABC, South Africa’s national broadcaster, which resonated deeply with countless viewers across the country.
His engaging approach to teaching earned him significant recognition, including a prestigious national award in 2019 from President Cyril Ramaphosa.
This accolade celebrated Smith’s remarkable efforts in making complex subjects like mathematics and science accessible and understandable to students.
Smith’s passing has prompted a wave of tributes from those who remember him as a beloved and influential figure in education. His legacy continues to inspire educators and students alike, reflecting his lasting impact on South African education.
President Ramaphosa described the “favourite teacher” as “an education and cultural icon to our nation”.
“William Smith’s passion for his curriculum and for the success of those he taught in classrooms, at matric camps and on TV benefited millions of young South Africans even before our transition to democracy and the dawn of a new dispensation of equal education,” he said.
William Smith is celebrated for revolutionizing mathematics and science education with his pioneering 1990s TV show, Learning Channel.
Smith successfully persuaded SABC to broadcast this innovative program, which made high-quality education freely accessible to millions of South African children.
The South African presidency has described Learning Channel as a transformative initiative, akin to an open-access school offering instruction in physical science, mathematics, biology, and English.
For many underprivileged students, this program provided crucial extra lessons and was often their sole source of quality education.
One notable viewer, Johan Ferreira, who is now a professor in the statistics department at the University of Pretoria, was among those who benefited from Smith’s groundbreaking work.
He told the BBC that Mr Smith had an “astounding effect”, adding that “the inspiration that he elicited [showed] that anyone is able to or can understand science”.