Makhanda, President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed deep sadness at the passing of William Smith, a pioneering maths and science educator, who has died at the age of 85. Smith, widely recognized for his groundbreaking efforts to make mathematics and science education accessible to all, was an Esteemed Member of the National Order of the Baobab, a prestigious honor he received in 2019.
In a statement, President Ramaphosa extended his heartfelt condolences to Smith’s family, friends, and the many South Africans who admired and were impacted by his work.
“William Smith was an education and cultural icon to our nation,” the President said. “The outpouring of affection the nation directed at him when he received his National Order demonstrated, years after his retirement, the place he held in people’s hearts.”
Born in Makhanda to a family of notable scientists, Smith was destined to follow an academic path. However, it was his innovative approach to teaching that truly set him apart. In the 1990s, he launched the ‘Learning Channel,’ a television program on SABC 2 that brought free mathematics and science lessons into homes across South Africa. His lessons, broadcast from a backdrop featuring the iconic Heads of Knysna, were delivered in a clear and engaging manner that demystified complex subjects for his audience.
Smith’s impact was profound, with an estimated close to a million learners benefiting from his 25 years of teaching. His reach extended beyond the classroom to matric camps and television screens, where he became synonymous with accessible and effective education.
“William Smith demystified maths and science for his audience, which extended beyond learners to their parents and anyone who wished to revisit these subjects or learn more, long after they had left school,” President Ramaphosa noted.
Smith’s contributions to education began long before South Africa’s transition to democracy, and his work continued to resonate in the new era of equal education. His passion for the curriculum and dedication to the success of those he taught left a lasting legacy that will be remembered by millions of South Africans.
As the nation mourns the loss of this educational giant, President Ramaphosa’s words echo the sentiment of many: “William Smith’s passion for his curriculum and for the success of those he taught benefited millions of young South Africans even before our transition to democracy and the dawn of a new dispensation of equal education.”
William Smith leaves behind a legacy of educational excellence and innovation, forever imprinted in the hearts and minds of those who were fortunate enough to learn from him.
My deepest condolences 💔 I grew up watching his tutorials and they really helped me