TBT: William Smith, South Africa's maths teacher
A man who many can thank for passing maths and science...
Do you remember having the same teacher as everyone else in South Africa?
It sounds like a ridiculous question, but if you were around during the William Smith era, you would know that he was South Africa's favourite maths and science teacher.
We are throwing it back to just three years ago when Rhodes University honoured William Smith with an honorary doctorate and named Smith the 'Teacher For The Entire South African Nation'.
Watch the video clip from eNCA on YouTube.
Read more: Durban man shares why math is important
Excuse us if we get a bit sentimental about this, but William Smith, who is 85, created a trusted bond with students watching the Learning Channel. His passion for mathematics and science was infectious, even to the least enthusiastic maths and science learner.
"After matriculating, Mr Smith completed his BSc and his BSc (Hons), both with distinction, at Rhodes University. His parents JLB Smith, who identified the coelacanth, and Margaret Smith, ichthyologist and accomplished fish illustrator, had deep-rooted ties with the University and Makhanda (then Grahamstown).
"In 1962, Mr Smith completed his MSc in seven months at the University of Natal. Although his initial journey was into business, working at African Explosives and Chemical Industries and Afrox, he soon realised he would not be content unless he followed his passion for teaching." (Rhodes University)
It was exciting to learn that Mr Smith had some time in KZN and we hope he was influenced by the people and the pillars of education that our province offers.
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