Veteran South African maths and science teacher William Smith dies at 85

JOHANNESBURG - Celebrated South African science and maths teacher William Smith has died.

His family revealed that he died peacefully in Perth, Australia, on Wednesday, surrounded by family following a short battle with cancer.

The legendary 85-year-old was well-known for his award-winning maths and science lessons on television delivered via the Learning Channel.

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

In 2019, Smith was honored with a National Order of the Baobab by President Cyril Ramapahosa.

His daughter - Jessica Smith-Penfold - confirmed the news of her father’s passing to Eyewitness News.