Popular SA teacher William Smith has died
The mathematics and science teacher, William Smith who tutored millions of students on TV on ‘The Learning Channel’ – has died of cancer.
He was 85 years old.
On Wednesday, 21 August, William Smith’s daughter Jessica confirmed that he had passed away.
She shared in a statement: “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.”
She added: “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”.
Beloved Mathematics Educator Sir William Smith Passes Away at 85 After Battling Cancer.
He guided countless of us through high school maths with his TV lessons, leaves behind a legacy cherished by many South Africans. May his soul rest in peace. #RIPWilliamSmith pic.twitter.com/ITkkVqieUS
— Zola Hashatsi ka Motsiri (@zola_hashatsi) August 21, 2024
William Smith was most recognized as being one of the famous faces of The Learning Channel – a free TV platform on SABC TV that helped tutor students around South Africa.
With a Masters in chemistry and science – William taught the subjects of mathematics and science.
During the TV segments, learners – particularly matric students – could call him while live in the studio with their questions. With much patience and perseverance, he would strive to help them understand even the most complex equations.
On social media, tributes have been flowing from many of his “past students.”
The Kiffness tweeted: “When KTV wasn’t on, I used to watch this guy teach Algebra even though I had no idea what was going on.
The only Maths Teacher I understood while growing up. Farewell Mr William Smith. pic.twitter.com/TNb1EUSfjf
— Ngcweti Thabiso Sithole (@ThabisoSithole) August 21, 2024
@ashveersingh06: “What a legend. Many of us passed maths because of him.”
@Mbali_Dhlamini: “William Smith got a lot of us through high school maths. Seeing him on TV felt really personal all the time.”
@MTshwaku: “I don’t know how many of us are Engineers and Scientists because of you. You made it look easy. You deciphered the fundamentals of physics and Maths. We are truly grateful to Mr William Smith. We were ahead of our class because of you.”
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