Education for everyone: 5 inspiring facts about William Smith
William Smith, praised as a national hero, made a significant impact by founding a multiracial school during Apartheid and teaching Afrikaans to people of color.
South Africans are grieving the loss of William Smith, the Learning Channel teacher who made a significant impact by helping countless students in mathematics and science.
The 85-year-old is regarded as a national hero thanks to his commitment to providing quality education to all races, especially during the height of Apartheid.
RIP WILLIAM SMITH: FIVE FASCINATING FACTS
Here are five inspiring and fascinating facts about SA’s favourite TV teacher, William Smith.
Education for all races
Despite being a qualified scientist, William Smith pursued a career in teaching. Over the years, he was committed to helping students of all races.
He started the Star Schools supplementary education material, which was circulated in the Johannesburg publication The Star. In the 1970s, William began a multi-racial school and often courted controversy for accepting black children.
He made subjects like mathematics and physical science – which weren’t adequately covered by the Bantu Education system – accessible to all his students.
William Smith took his education programmes to predominately black residential areas like Soweto and Boksburg. He also developed the radio programme “Let’s Speak Afrikaans” to teach the language to English-speaking listeners.
William’s development of the Learning Channel – which was aired on SABC TV for 16 years during examination times – helped countless students, particularly those of colour who had no access to private tutors.
Inspired a generation of scientists and engineers
On social media, many South Africans have credited William Smith for kickstarting their career as scientists and engineers.
He completed his Masters degree in just seven months
William Smith obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics and Chemistry from Rhodes University, followed by an Honours degree (Cum Laude). He then went on to achieve his Masters at the University of Natal (now University of KwaZulu-Natal) in just seven months.
In 2021, William Smith was conferred a degree of Doctor of Laws (LLD) from Rhodes.
Notable honour from the president
William Smith had many notable accolades over the years, including “Teacher of The Year,” being named in the Top 100 Great South Africans, and honorary life membership of the Golden Key International, an organisation dedicated to academics around the world.
By far, his most significant achievement was the highest accolade bestowed on any South African: the Order of the Baobab, bestowed by President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2019. In it, he was recognised for his teaching services and the “demystification of mathematics and science.”