Tributes Pour in for Iconic Maths and Science Teacher William Smith

William Smith, a prominent South African educator known for his contributions to maths and science education, has passed away at the age of 85 after a long battle with cancer. He died in Perth, Australia, surrounded by his family.

Smith gained recognition primarily for his groundbreaking work on SABC2’s The Learning Channel during the 1990s. He made complex subjects such as mathematics and science accessible to millions of learners, particularly those from marginalized communities. His televised lessons became a vital educational resource during national examination periods.

The Learning Channel, which he began producing with financial backing from Liberty Life Foundation executive director Hylton Appelbaum, was initially met with skepticism but ultimately reached up to 100 million viewers across Africa. Smith’s friendly and relatable teaching style transformed the way many students engaged with difficult subjects.

Born in Makhanda, formerly known as Grahamstown, Smith completed his academic qualifications at Rhodes University, earning a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree, both with distinction. He later obtained a Master’s degree from the University of KwaZulu-Natal in an impressive seven months.

Before his television career, Smith worked in the chemical industry at African Explosives and Chemical Industries and Afrox. However, he ultimately switched to teaching, founding Star Schools, which aimed to provide quality education for a diverse range of students.

Throughout his career, Smith received numerous accolades for his innovative teaching methods. These include being named one of the top three television presenters in South Africa in 1998, winning the Teacher of the Year award, and being awarded the Impumelelo Gold Award in 2005 for his contributions to education.

In recognition of his dedication to teaching, he was honored with the Order of the Baobab (silver) by President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2019, as well as an honorary degree of Doctor of Laws from Rhodes University in 2021.

Smith’s legacy extends beyond his television teaching as he was also a conservationist, having owned the Featherbed Nature Reserve in Knysna until he sold it in 2008. Following this sale, Smith and his wife emigrated to Australia to be closer to their daughters and grandchildren. His influence in the education sector remains impactful to this day.