President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed sadness over the passing of mathematics and science education innovator and esteemed Member of the National Order of the Baobab William Smith. Smith, who was born in Makhanda in the Eastern Cape, died in Perth, Australia, from advanced cancer. Many recalled their childhood memories, watching the mathematics and science lessons on television after school.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed deep sadness at the passing away of maths and science education innovator and Esteemed Member of the National Order of the Baobab, William Smith https://t.co/sxpSIeBouN #RIPWilliamSmith pic.twitter.com/DWFORR0OX6

— @SAgovnews (@SAgovnews) August 22, 2024

HIS LAST DAYS

His family confirmed that he was diagnosed with stage four cancer some weeks ago, and they did not have much time to spend with him after the diagnosis. Speaking on behalf of his family, Jessica Smith said he was surrounded by family until he took his last breath. "It is sad that we did not get to spend a lot of time with him after he was diagnosed with cancer. But he lived a full life with no regrets and we will miss him.' Smith was adored by learners when he hosted the Learning Channel on the SABC.

CONDOLENCES

Ramaphosa has offered his condolences to the family and friends of the popular educator who has passed away at the age of 85. The president conferred the Order of Baobab on Smith in 2019. "William Smith was an education and cultural icon to our nation. The outpouring of affection the nation directed at him when he received his National Order demonstrated, years after his retirement, the place he held in people's hearts. He demystified maths and science for his audience, which extended beyond learners to their parents and anyone who wished to revisit these subjects or learn more, long after they had left school," Ramaphosa said in a statement. Ramaphosa added that Smith's passion for his curriculum and for the success of those he taught in classrooms, at matric camps and on TV benefitted millions of young South Africans even before the transition to democracy.

A SCHOLAR'

Not only a favourite among learners at the time, but Smith was voted one of the top three presenters on SA television in the 1990's. This was before he appeared with the late Jeremy Mansfield in the popular TV quiz show, A Word or 2. Smith was also a businessman and owned the Featherbed Nature Reserve in Knysna.' In 2021, Smith was given a Doctor of Laws (LLD) (honoris causa) for the Learning Channel program by Rhodes University.

We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of William Smith, a celebrated South African Science and Mathematics teacher whose impact on education has been felt across generations. His dedication to making complex subjects accessible and engaging to countless students has left… pic.twitter.com/Gds8qH2ubm

— ANC SECRETARY GENERAL | Fikile Mbalula (@MbalulaFikile) August 21, 2024