SA’s favourite Math teacher dies at 85

Widely celebrated teacher and instructor, William Smith passed on today at the age of 85.

Smith was recently diagnosed with cancer.

His daughter, Jessica Smith, took to social media to announce the renowned instructor’s passing at his home.

“It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of William Smith who left us peacefully today at home in Perth, Australia, surrounded by family,” said Jessica in a brief statement.

Smith’s daughter says her dad met his final moments with grace, content with his accomplishments and his impact in the Education and Conservation fields.

Amongst Smith’s numerous accolades, is an Honorary Degree of Doctors of Laws, granted to him by Rhodes University in April of 2021 for his outstanding teaching skills and compassion spanning two decades.

Smith’s TV programme, The Learning Channel, became an indispensable platform for South Africa’s youth.

In 2019, President Cyril Ramaphosa also honoured Smith with a National Order of Baobab Award, for his contribution in his respected and trusted TV programme on SABC 2.

Smith held a Bachelor of Honors Degree in Physics and Chemistry and an honours Degree in Chemistry from Rhodes University.

He also obtained his master’s degree in Chemistry from the University of Natal, commonly known as University of Kwa-Zulu Natal.

Many have flocked to social media, sharing their messages of condolence and expressing their appreciation for his work.

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of William Smith. He made such a difference for Maths and Science learners far and wide. William will also be fondly remembered for promoting tourism in Knysna along with his wife Jenny. From the Brand of Knysna to Featherbed and the ferries,… pic.twitter.com/HMZJJmUImY

— Premier Alan Winde (@alanwinde) August 21, 2024

William Smith got a lot of us through high school maths.. Seeing him on tv felt really personal all the time

May His Soul Rest in Peace 💔🥺 #RIPWilliamSmith pic.twitter.com/9oKk8pKssO

— Mbali Dhlamini (@Mbali_Dhlamini) August 21, 2024

I don’t know how many of us are Engineers and Scientists because of you., you made it look easy. You deciphered fundumentals of physics and Maths. WE are truly grateful Mr William Smith. We were ahead of our class because of you. Rest in peace my good Sir. 🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️ pic.twitter.com/Mapif8wP8f

— Cmsr Dr Mgcini Tshwaku, PhD (@MTshwaku) August 21, 2024

RIP William Smith, South African legend 🇿🇦

When KTV wasn’t on, I used to watch this guy teach Algebra even though I had no idea what was going on. pic.twitter.com/HijzPR4ASt

— The Kiffness (@TheKiffness) August 21, 2024

Most South Africans from multiple generations owe their educational success in maths & physics to the great teachings of William Smith who just passed away from cancer. He embodied this:
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”— Nelson Mandela pic.twitter.com/0pCLNN62Jb

— Paballo Chauke (@ChatWithChauke) August 21, 2024

The only Maths Teacher I understood while growing up. Farewell Mr William Smith. pic.twitter.com/TNb1EUSfjf

— Ngcweti Thabiso Sithole (@ThabisoSithole) August 21, 2024

Rest in peace to the mathematics legend William Smith 👏🏿 pic.twitter.com/1mkGkHHB34

— SITHALE✍🏿 (@SithaleKgaogelo) August 21, 2024

•— smart kids of then South Africa, celebrating life and works of a mathematics teacher!
– William Smith [Rest In Peace]pic.twitter.com/jxmXWPiE7P

— Stephen Magyezi 📚 (@gyezi_) August 21, 2024

I knew about Knysna because TV Maths teacher, William Smith, made sure that we knew he was there when gave us additional Maths lessons. He was a big part of my Grade 12. In school, it was Mrs Exelby. At home, it was William Smith. RIP to South Africa’s favourite Maths teacher. pic.twitter.com/Hd9OtVuxjZ

— Siphumelele Zondi (@SZondi) August 21, 2024

To the most famous Maths teacher, in South Africa, rest in peace, Sir. Mr William Smith will always be remembered for making the most hated subject, the most fun and easy to understand. A Maths whizz who we all learned from, from TV, in the comforts of our homes. #RestInPeace pic.twitter.com/Q4ALLUxgbS

— Yumnah Jones (@JonesYumnah) August 21, 2024

Written by Odirile Rabolao