WILLIAM SMITH DIES

South Africa’s beloved math and science teacher William Smith has passed away.

He passed away peacefully at his home in Perth, Australia. After his retirement, he moved there to be with his family.

The 85-year-old was surrounded by his family at the time of his death.

After the announcement of his death, Rhodes University paid tribute to the “education giant”. In 2021, Rhodes conferred a degree of Doctor of Laws on Smith. He also received a distinguished alumni award from the university.

While a student at Rhodes, Smith completed his BSc and BSc (Hons) both with distinction.

Smith became a household name in 1990 when he began producing education TV programmes for The Learning Channel. Through his years as a teacher on national television, about 12,000 students passed through his hands.

By 2000, the Learning Channel was broadcast in 28 countries in Africa.

He was known as one of the most popular science teachers in the country.

In 2019, Smith was called upon by President Cyril Ramaphosa to receive The Order of the Baobab in recognition of his contribution to maths and science.

Tributes have been pouring in from around the world.

Image credit: The South African