The 80th Birthday of a National Icon
William Smith, who was 85 years old when he died, was a household figure in South African mathematics and science classrooms. The highly regarded educator passed away on Wednesday morning following a short illness, as confirmed by his family. He was well-known for his creative pedagogical approaches and profound dedication to education.
Smith’s impact went well beyond the confines of a conventional school. He had an impact on innumerable South Africans through a groundbreaking educational program he hosted on SABC, the country’s public broadcaster. At a period when funding for high-quality education was tight, this program provided many students with the opportunity to enroll.
A Trace of Influence and Innovation
William Smith was much lauded for his work in education throughout his lifetime. President Cyril Ramaphosa presented him with a distinguished national honor in 2019 for his work in “teaching and demystifying mathematics and science.” The immense influence of his work was reflected in the numerous distinctions he received, including this recognition.
The president’s praise for Smith, whom he called “an education and cultural icon to our nation,” emphasized Smith’s work on the curriculum and his persistence in seeing that all students succeed. Even before South Africa’s democratic transformation and the introduction of universal free education, Smith’s revolutionary technique reached millions of young people.
Our Revolutionary “Learning Channel”
The “Learning Channel,” a 90s TV show that Smith helped create, is widely considered to be one of his greatest achievements. The educational landscape in South Africa was transformed by this program, which he managed to be broadcast by SABC. Kids from low-income families or those with other educational barriers were able to take advantage of the program’s free, high-quality science, math, biology, and English classes.
“Essentially an open South African school,” was how the president put it, and for many, the “Learning Channel” was their one option for a good education. Perhaps the most compelling example of the program’s impact is the life of Johan Ferreira, who is now a professor in the University of Pretoria’s statistics department. Ferreira remembers Smith’s “astounding effect” on him, praising Smith’s ability to simplify and clarify difficult scientific ideas. The fact that Ferreira remembers Smith as the “original science content creator of South Africa” shows how influential he was.
Tributes on Social Media Pour In
Those whose lives were changed by Smith’s teachings have taken to social media to pay their respects in the aftermath of his death. Many people, especially those who excelled in science and mathematics, attribute their success in school to him. An app user named Wendy Verwey Bekker thanked William Smith for helping her succeed in high school science and math. What an icon and cherished asset to our country.
“It felt like we knew this man personally,” Roy Petzer said on the intimate nature of Smith’s instruction. If it weren’t for you, Mr. William Smith, I would never have gotten those razor-thin passing grades in math. We apologize for not having paid your school expenses.
Similarly, Zola Hashatsi ka Motsiri praised Smith, saying that his math classes on television “guided countless of us through high school maths” and that Smith’s legacy is “cherished by many South Africans.”
An Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Education
William Smith received a plethora of awards and recognition throughout his career. In 1998, thanks to his instructional program, he was named one of the top three television presenters in South Africa and received the national “Teacher of the Year” award. The magnitude and enduring influence of his contributions were recognized in 2004 when he was placed 86th on the list of the Top 100 Great South Africans.
A Life Cherished, A Remarkable Trajectory Honored
Smith retired from a long and illustrious career, took his family to Australia, and spent his last years there. Those grieving his passing might take comfort in knowing that he died with his loved ones by his side. According to his daughter Jessica Smith, who spoke to the South African news source News24, the family is both mourning and honoring his remarkable legacy. She found it moving to witness how people are paying tribute to her father, a man who was beloved and respected by many.
Jenny, William’s wife, three daughters, and five grandchildren are his surviving relatives. His impact, nevertheless, goes much beyond his close relatives. His legacy will endure via the innumerable pupils who benefited from his progressive pedagogy and the millions of South Africans whose lives he touched.
