by Thinus Ferreira
William Smith, a math and science teacher who became known and beloved to generations of South African schoolgoing kids for his television lessons has died in Australia after losing his battle against cancer. He was 85.
William Smith died in his home in Perth, Australia after a losing his battle with cancer. He was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer a few weeks ago in Australia where he emigrated to after retirement to live with family.
His daughter Jessica Penfold in a statement announced "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".
"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."
For many years during the 1990s William Smith did home teleschooling on the SABC under the banner of the Learning Channel, presenting show-and-tell problem-solving math and science classes.
William Smith matriculated at Union High School in Graaff-Reinet in the Eastern Cape province and got a Bachelor of Science degree in physics and chemistry from Rhodes University, then a honours degree in chemistry from the same university, and a master's degree from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
Using felt-tip pens and a whiteboard with a video camera trained on it, William Smith helped generations of South African schoolkids with the answers and solutions on how to solve high school math problems from algebra and trigonometry to physics as well as chemistry, biology and English.
Breaking down seemingly complex and difficult math and science problems, William Smith did groundbreaking work in the years before YouTube existed to show children how to tackle and solve problems step-by step.
William Smith leaves a profound legacy: In spearheading practical educational television in South Africa, in being an entrepreneurial educator who followed his dream to do more with TV and teaching, and in having been a teacher who channelled his pedagogical skills to change the lives of millions of South African high school leaners.
In 2019 president Cyril Ramaphosa bestowed him The Order of the Boabad in recognition of his contribution to math and science.
