William Smith: We celebrate the life of South Africa’s favourite teacher

Lester Kiewit speaks to Martin Hatchuel about the life and achievements of award-winning science and maths teacher William Smith who passed away this week.

William Macdonald Smith (85), South Africa's most famous television teacher, has passed away following a battle with cancer.

The science and mathematics teacher was best known for making mathematics and science accessible in a groundbreaking 1990s TV programme, 'Learning Channel', on SABC 2.

Born in Makhanda, Smith was the son of the ichthyologist Margaret Mary Smith and Professor J. L. B. Smith, the renowned chemist and ichthyologist who identified the coelacanth.

In 2019, Smith was awarded a National Order award for his excellent contribution to teaching and demystifying mathematics and science.

“William was recently diagnosed with advanced, incurable cancer,” his daughter said in a statement. 

“He faced his final moments with grace, expressing contentment in his accomplishments and the impact he made in the fields of education and conservation. 

“His 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."

Tributes from The Presidency, political parties and South Africans have poured in online, honouring Smith's impact on many people's lives.

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.