ENTERTAINMENT NEWS - Tributes have been pouring in for South Africa’s favourite mathematics and science teacher, William Smith, who has passed away following a battle with cancer.

In a brief statement, Smith’s daughter, Jessica Smith Penfold, confirmed that her 85-year-old father died surrounded by family at home in Perth, Australia.

She added that her father, best known for the TV programme Learning Channel on SABC 2, was recently diagnosed with advanced, incurable cancer.

‘Faced his final moments with grace’

“He faced his final moments with grace, expressing contentment in his accomplishments and the impact he made in the fields of education and conservation. His legacy will endure through the lives he touched and the difference he made. William will be profoundly missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him,” said the family.

Smith’s televised lessons were sometimes the only high-quality mathematics and science instruction many young people in South Africa received over the years.

Born in Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown), Eastern Cape, Smith’s first venture in the field of education was the creation of Star Schools, which offered education at a reasonable cost with experienced teachers.

In 1990, he started producing the Learning Channel’s educational television programmes, and as a result of his work, Smith was voted one of the top three presenters on South African television in 1998.

Order of the Baobab awarded in 2019

In 2019, President Cyril Ramaphosa awarded him the Order of the Baobab (silver) in recognition of his services to teaching and the “demystification of mathematics and science”. The National Orders are the highest awards that South Africans can receive. 

As tributes poured in on social media, the South African government extended its condolences to Smith.

Article: Caxton publication, The Citizen

‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’