South Africa Mourns the Loss of Beloved Teacher William Smith, 85

South Africa is grieving the loss of William Smith, the nation’s beloved mathematics and science teacher, who passed away on Wednesday morning at the age of 85. Smith, who played a pivotal role in shaping the educational landscape of the country, succumbed to a short battle with cancer in Australia, surrounded by his family.

Smith was a household name for many South Africans, known for his ability to simplify complex educational concepts and make them accessible to all. His daytime education programme, “The Learning Channel,” broadcasted on SABC in the 1990s, was a lifeline for countless students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Through this platform, Smith offered free extra classes in subjects such as Mathematics, Science, Biology, and English, which resonated with students nationwide.

Jessica Smith, William’s daughter, spoke to News24, expressing both sorrow and gratitude. “It’s always hard when someone you love passes on, but you know that is inevitable. We are very fortunate that we could be together as a family, be there in his final moments, and that he went fairly peacefully,” she shared.

Reflecting on her father’s legacy, Jessica noted how his life had come full circle. “My dad had a very simple vision, which was bringing education to everyone and not letting race, language, socio-economics, or any other reasons stand in the way of education. He was such a firm believer in the power of education,” she said.

The impact of Smith’s work was evident as South Africans took to social media to share memories and express their gratitude. Many credited him with their academic successes, with some even admitting to skipping school just to watch his lessons on TV. “When you’re behind the camera, you don’t always know exactly who that is on the other side and what they’re going to do with it,” Jessica added. “But a couple of years ago, I was on Twitter [now X], I got that feedback, and I showed him what people were saying. And he was very moved.”

Smith’s contributions to education did not go unrecognized. In 2019, President Cyril Ramaphosa awarded him the Order of the Baobab in Silver for his exceptional work in demystifying mathematics and science. Two years later, Rhodes University honored him with a Doctor of Laws (LLD) degree (honoris causa) for his groundbreaking work with “The Learning Channel.”

Rhodes University’s vice-chancellor, Sizwe Mabizela, praised Smith in 2021, stating, “Thanks to his exceptional teaching skills and compassion, for almost two decades, the Learning Channel became an indispensable platform for young people of our country to receive interactive TV education in Mathematics and Science. In this way, he became the teacher for the entire South African nation.”

William Smith leaves behind a lasting legacy, having touched the lives of countless South Africans through his innovative teaching methods. He is survived by his wife, Jenny, three daughters, and five grandchildren. As the nation mourns, it also celebrates the life of a man who dedicated his life to education and to the betterment of others.