Tributes have been pouring in for South Africa’s favourite teacher, William Smith, who passed away on Wednesday, 21 August, at his home in Perth, Australia.
Smith, who was 85, had been battling advanced-stage cancer. A household name in South Africa, he gained immense popularity through his maths and science lessons on SABC TV during the 1990s and early 2000s.
William Smith used television to showcase his passion for mathematics, helping countless students understand and fall in love with complex subjects. He was an alumnus of Union High School in the Eastern Cape and Rhodes University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics and Chemistry, followed by an Honours degree in Chemistry.
Smith’s contributions to education were widely recognized. He received several accolades, including the national Order of the Baobab in Silver in 2019, for his service to the nation.
President Cyril Ramaphosa described Smith as an educational and cultural icon, whose teachings transcended generations and socio-economic backgrounds.
Social media has been flooded with tributes for William Smith, reflecting the profound impact he had on millions of South Africans. His daughter, Jessica Smith Penfold, expressed the family’s sorrow and gratitude for the outpouring of affection from across the nation.
As President Ramaphosa noted, Smith demystified mathematics and science, making these subjects accessible to learners, their parents, and lifelong learners even after his retirement.
William Smith’s legacy as a dedicated educator and a pioneer in remote teaching will continue to inspire future generations. May his soul rest in peace.
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of William Smith, a celebrated South African Science and Mathematics teacher whose impact on education has been felt across generations. His dedication to making complex subjects accessible and engaging to countless students has left… pic.twitter.com/Gds8qH2ubm
— ANC SECRETARY GENERAL | Fikile Mbalula (@MbalulaFikile) August 21, 2024
“Mathematics may not teach us to add love or subtract hate, but it gives us hope that every problem has a solution.”
— Unknown
Thank you for this lesson Mr Smith 🙏🏾
#RIPWilliamSmith pic.twitter.com/cYZv1spcaI
— Asa Walesa Mazomba (@AsaWalesa) August 21, 2024
My Grade 12 Mathematics came back back as 84%, those I studied with can attest to how many of his notes I had by my side. Anytime I struggled when I was home over the weekend, he was my reference. Go well Mr William Smith, Sir❤️#RIPWilliamSmith pic.twitter.com/MMYkoW96NT
— Dr Sweet_T (@Tsietsi_Mohale) August 21, 2024
