William Smith

2024 - 8 - 21

Farewell to a Maths Legend: William Smith's Legacy Lives On!

william smith maths -- william smith maths teacher -- william smith south african teacher Cancer - Education - Mathematics - Science - South Africa - Tributes - William Smith - william smith maths - william smith maths teacher - william smith south african teacher

South Africa bids adieu to beloved TV teacher William Smith, who turned confusing equations into fun lessons!

William Smith, the man behind the screen who taught millions of South African learners the magic of mathematics and the wonders of science, has sadly passed away. Known as the country’s beloved maths and science teacher, William dedicated his life to educating young minds, making sophisticated theories accessible through his engaging teaching style on the Learning Channel. His unique approach not only helped pupils understand the intricacies of their coursework but also inspired a love for learning that went beyond the classroom walls. His contributions to education, especially during the challenging times of apartheid, set him apart as a true pioneer in South Africa's teaching landscape.

Educators and learners alike are reflecting on the profound impact William had on their education and lives.''Seeing Smith tackle complex equations was like watching a magician conjure spells, making students believe they too could excel in maths!' exclaimed one former student. His lessons went beyond rote memorization; they were filled with warmth, humor, and life lessons that shaped generations of South Africans. Tributes have poured in from all corners of the nation, celebrating his remarkable ability to connect with his audience and instill confidence in his learners.

William Smith’s fight with cancer highlighted the strength and grace he exemplified throughout his life. Even in his last days, he was surrounded by family, demonstrating the love and support that mirrored the community he built among his students. His daughter shared that his journey was just as much about teaching life skills as it was about academia, emphasizing the importance of resilience and positivity which he embodied until his last moments.

Beyond his television fame, Smith was also known for his dedication to improving the educational system in South Africa. Under his guidance, many students not only mastered the subject matter but also learned the value of perseverance and hard work. In 1999, he was recognized with an award for Educational Excellence by the National Teachers’ Association, a testament to his commitment to nurturing young talent.

Did you know? William Smith taught maths and science at a time when educational resources were scarce in many parts of South Africa. His innovative strategies made learning engaging, and many students credited him for their academic success. Not only was he a teacher, but also a mentor who believed in the potential of every learner. His legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations, reminding us that education is a powerful tool for change!

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Business Day"

TV teacher William Smith touched the hearts of millions of learners (Business Day)

Learners depended on William Smith to help them understand the complexities of maths and science in the 1990s.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "SABC News"

SA's favourite TV teacher William Smith passes on - SABC News ... (SABC News)

Tributes are pouring in for South Africa's favourite Maths and Science teacher, William Smith. Smith passed away after a long battle with cancer at his home ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "TimesLIVE"

'He faced his final moments with grace': veteran teacher William ... (TimesLIVE)

A South African science and mathematics teacher best known for teaching on television, William Smith, has died, his daughter has confirmed.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "East Coast Radio"

SA's favourite maths and science teacher passes away (East Coast Radio)

William Smith, known as South Africa's favourite maths and science teacher, has passed away following a battle with cancer.

Beloved math and science whiz William Smith dies (Jacaranda FM)

Smith was a household name in South Africa as a television tutor on the Learning Channel. His family confirmed that Smith died after a recent diagnosis of ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Algoa FM"

Tributes pour in for SA's favourite TV teacher (Algoa FM)

Screenshot. The Democratic Alliance joined others in mourning the passing of South Africa's most treasured television teacher, William Smith. Advertisement.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "News24"

South Africa's favourite teacher William Smith dies (News24)

South Africa's beloved mathematics and science teacher, William Smith, who helped many pupils pass thanks to his lessons on TV over the years, has died at ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Eyewitness News"

Veteran South African maths and science teacher William Smith dies ... (Eyewitness News)

He has been lauded throughout his career as an exemplary figure in the education sector who broke boundaries, particularly during the apartheid era to ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "TV with Thinus"

Beloved South African TV teacher William Smith dead at 85. (TV with Thinus)

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 ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Independent Online"

SA's most loved maths and science TV teacher William Smith dies of ... (Independent Online)

Tributes are pouring in on social media following the passing of arguably South Africa's most loved mathematics and science television teacher, ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "YFM"

SA's favourite Math teacher dies at 85 (YFM)

Widely celebrated teacher and instructor, William Smith passed on today at the age of 85. Smith was recently diagnosed with cancer.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Mossel Bay Advertiser"

Tributes pour in for William Smith, SA's beloved TV teacher (Mossel Bay Advertiser)

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 ...

President Cyril Ramaphosa mourns passing of maths and science ... (South African Government)

President Ramaphosa conferred the Order of the Baobab on Mr Smith in 2019. Born in Makhanda to parents who were notable scientists, Mr Smith made mathematics ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Knysna-Plett Herald"

Tributes pour in for William Smith, SA's beloved TV teacher (Knysna-Plett Herald)

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 ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Independent Online"

President Cyril Ramaphosa pays tribute to beloved TV teacher ... (Independent Online)

Beloved TV Maths and Science teacher, William Smith has died after a short battle with cancer. He was 85-years-old.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "South African Government News Agency"

President mourns maths and science teacher William Smith (South African Government News Agency)

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed deep sadness at the passing away of.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "BBC News"

William Smith: South Africans pay tribute to their 'favourite teacher' (BBC News)

William Smith, hailed for being a maths and science education innovator, has died aged 85.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "TimesLIVE"

Rhodes pays tribute to 'distinguished alumni award' winner William ... (TimesLIVE)

As tributes continue pouring in for renowned maths and science teacher Dr William Smith, his alma mater Rhodes University has joined in remembering SA's ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "BBC News"

William Smith: South Africans pay tribute to their 'favourite teacher' (BBC News)

William Smith, hailed for being a maths and science education innovator, has died aged 85.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Moneyweb.co.za"

William Smith: 'The original content creator' (Moneyweb.co.za)

Here's a roundup of the day's news, including Airlink CEO on the Qatar Airways deal, remembering William Smith, and the benefits of a family office.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Rhodes University"

Rhodes University mourns the passing of alumnus Dr William Smith ... (Rhodes University)

Rhodes University mourns the passing of education giant, alumnus, and Order of the Baobab recipient, Dr William Smith. “We honour his legacy, and wish to ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Good Things Guy"

Remembering the Teacher of a Nation: William Smith (Good Things Guy)

The teacher of a nation, legend William Smith has sadly left us. But what he leaves behind is a legacy of immense impact.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "News24"

OBITUARY | William Smith: The people's teacher who revolutionised ... (News24)

William Smith was a man who dedicated more than half of his life to teach children maths and science, earning him accolades, acclaim and honours.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Business Day"

CARTOON: Rest in peace, William Smith (Business Day)

Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all ...

Minister Blade Nzimande on passing of William Smith | South ... (South African Government)

The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande joins the nation in mourning the passing of Mr. William Smith.

Explore the last week