Johannesburg, South Africa – South Africa is mourning the loss of renowned TV teacher William Smith, who passed away at the age of 85 after a battle with cancer. Tributes have poured in from across the country for the man who inspired countless students to love mathematics and science.
Smith’s daughter, Jessica Smith Penfold, confirmed his passing in a statement, revealing that he died peacefully at home in Perth, Australia. She shared that her father had recently been diagnosed with advanced, incurable cancer.
Smith, best known for his popular TV program “Learning Channel” on SABC 2, dedicated his life to education. His televised lessons were often the only high-quality mathematics and science instruction available to many young people in South Africa.
Born in Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown), Eastern Cape, Smith’s journey in education began with the establishment of Star Schools, which offered affordable education with experienced teachers. In 1990, he started producing educational television programs for the Learning Channel. His work in education earned him recognition, and in 1998, he was voted one of the top three presenters on South African television.
In 2019, President Cyril Ramaphosa awarded Smith the Order of the Baobab (silver) in recognition of his significant contributions to teaching and his ability to make mathematics and science accessible to students.
As news of Smith’s passing spread, tributes flooded social media. The South African government and political parties expressed their condolences and acknowledged Smith’s profound impact on education.
The ANC secretary general, Fikile Mbalula, praised Smith’s dedication to making complex subjects engaging for students. The Democratic Alliance highlighted his transformative role in maths and science education. The IFP emphasized Smith’s enduring legacy through the countless lives he touched.
