William Smith, a popular mathematics and science television teacher in South Africa, has passed away, prompting a flood of tributes on social media.
His daughter confirmed his death in a statement.
She stated that her father, 85, passed away at home in Perth, Australia, following a brief fight with cancer.
Smith, according to the statement, was diagnosed with an incurable malignancy in its advanced stages.
“He faces his final moments with grace, expressing contentment in his accomplishments and the impact he made in the fields of education and conservation,” the family said.
The family added that Smith’s 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,” the statement read.
In 2021, Smith received an honorary doctorate from Rhodes University. At the time, Vice-Chancellor Dr Sizwe Mabizela hailed Smith’s work.
William Smith got a lot of us through high school maths.. Seeing him on tv felt really personal all the time
May His Soul Rest in Peace 💔🥺 #RIPWilliamSmith pic.twitter.com/9oKk8pKssO
— Mbali Dhlamini (@Mbali_Dhlamini) August 21, 2024
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
Let us count the ways you were a real one. pic.twitter.com/XAeiruxuXW
— Grinn Grieves Allin (@PeccablyDoomed) August 21, 2024
Smith matriculated at Union High School in Graaff-Reinet in the Eastern Cape. He obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics and Chemistry from Rhodes University, followed by an Honours degree (Cum Laude) in Chemistry from the same institution.
“His Learning Channel platform revolutionised teaching even in the most underprivileged areas of the country and in turn, South Africa produced many scientists.
“On a basic TV signal, he gave the best education for free and many people who grew up in the 1990s supplemented their knowledge of mathematics through Smith. His face is iconic for many black youth of the 90s, some of whom have gone on to become leading engineers and scientists,” the statement read.
