By JOHANNESBURG — William Smith, a beloved South African educator known as the country’s “favorite teacher,” died Wednesday at the age of 85 after a brief battle with cancer, his family announced.
Smith, renowned for his innovative approach to teaching mathematics and science, gained national fame through his educational programs on the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), which reached millions of students across the country.
President Cyril Ramaphosa lauded Smith as “an education and cultural icon to our nation,” highlighting his significant contributions to South African education. “William Smith’s passion for his curriculum and for the success of those he taught in classrooms, at matric camps and on TV benefited millions of young South Africans even before our transition to democracy,” Ramaphosa said in a statement.
Smith’s groundbreaking 1990s television program, “Learning Channel,” is credited with making high-quality mathematics and science education freely available to disadvantaged pupils across South Africa. The presidency described the program as “essentially an open South African school teaching physical science, mathematics, biology and English.”
Throughout his career, Smith received numerous accolades, including the national “Teacher of the Year” award and a place on the list of the Top 100 Great South Africans in 2004. In 2019, President Ramaphosa presented him with a national award for his contribution to “teaching and demystifying mathematics and science.”
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), an opposition party, praised Smith for his “clear, engaging, and accessible teaching style,” noting that he had become a “household name” through his lessons.
Social media platforms have been flooded with tributes from former students and admirers. Wendy Verwey Bekker wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “William Smith got me through high school maths and science. What a legend and national treasure.” Another user, Roy Petzer, humorously noted, “It felt like we knew this man personally. Thank you, Mr. William Smith for all those very narrow passes in Maths that would not have been passes at all without you.”
Smith’s impact extended beyond his television appearances. He was instrumental in convincing the SABC to air educational content, paving the way for broader access to quality instruction, especially for students in disadvantaged areas.
After retiring, Smith moved with his family to Australia, where he spent his final years. His daughter, Jessica Smith, told News24 that the family was mourning his loss while celebrating his enduring legacy. “It’s inspiring to see how other people are celebrating him,” she said.
Smith’s death marks the end of an era in South African education, leaving behind a legacy that touched generations of students. His innovative approach to teaching and his use of media to reach a wider audience set a standard for educational broadcasting in South Africa and beyond.
He is survived by his wife, Jenny, three daughters, and five grandchildren.
