Veteran Science and Mathematics Teacher William Smith has Died
South African science and mathematics teacher best known for teaching onTV programme called the ‘Learning Channel’ on SABC 2 in the 1990s, William Smith has died.
Jessica Smith (Penfold) confirmed his father’s passing on Tuesday. She said Smith died peacefully at his home in Perth, Australia, surrounded by family.
“It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of William Smith who left us peacefully today at home in Perth, Australia, surrounded by family,” Jessica said in a brief statement.
Jessica said Smith was recently diagnosed with advanced, incurable cancer.
“He faced his final moments with grace, expressing contentment in his accomplishments and the impact he made in the fields of education and conservation. His legacy will endure through the lives he touched and the difference he made. William will be profoundly missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him,” said his family.
Ramaphosa Mourns William Smith
President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed deep sadness at the passing away of maths and science education innovator and Esteemed Member of the National Order of the Baobab, William Smith
In a statement on Wednesday, President Ramaphosa offered his condolences to the family and friends of the popular educator who passed away at the age of 85.
President Ramaphosa conferred the Order of the Baobab on Smith in 2019.
Born in Makhanda (in the Eastern Cape) to parents who were notable scientists, Smith made mathematics and science accessible to all pupils free, through television, in a groundbreaking 1990s TV programme called the ‘Learning Channel’ on SABC 2.
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During his 25 years as a teacher, he is estimated to have taught close on a million learners.
President Ramaphosa described William Smith as an education and cultural icon for the nation.
“The outpouring of affection the nation directed at him when he received his National Order demonstrated, years after his retirement, [demonstrated] the place he held in people’s hearts.
“He was synonymous with The Heads of Knysna which was the backdrop to his television presentation decades before we could think of him as the first teacher to teach “remotely,” the President said.
President Ramaphosa stated that Smith made maths and science accessible to a broad audience, reaching not only learners but also their parents and anyone interested in revisiting or further exploring these subjects long after their school years.
“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.
“May his soul rest in peace,” the President said.
Veteran Science and Mathematics Teacher William Smith has Died