Prior to the widespread availability of the internet and YouTube mathematics tutorials, South African students relied on William Smith to guide them through the intricacies of science and maths via SABC2 The Learning Channel throughout the 1990s.
William was a math and science whiz who, unlike many other specialists, was also an excellent teacher. He was able to help students understand algebra, trigonometry, geometry, chemistry, and physics by using surprisingly easy techniques that were not covered in the classroom.
William, capetownetc.com/news/william-smith-dies, worked as a television instructor for more than 16 years, reaching many young people in South Africa and beyond. For several individuals, his broadcast lectures were their sole source of excellent maths and scientific education.
Across Africa, the Learning Channel reaches up to 100 million students.
With the financial backing of Hylton Appelbaum, executive director of the Liberty Life Foundation, Smith started creating educational television shows for The Learning Channel in 1990.
Critics initially suggested the channel would not succeed, calling it a foolish notion. Since it had never been done before, the SABC was initially hesitant to provide Smith and his colleagues with a platform to teach lessons live on television.
However, the broadcaster quickly discovered that there was a sizable and international demand for these services. Cooperation through satellite with other African nations led to a significant boost in viewership.
For over 16 years, The Learning Channel maintained its popularity, attracting up to 100 million viewers daily throughout Africa.
When nearly everyone else had failed, he helped millions of students pass their maths and science examinations using just a felt-tip pen, a whiteboard and perhaps a few Smarties.
The legendary teacher claimed that although he was not very adept with mathematics in 2019, that might have been the key to his success.
President Cyril Ramaphosa gave him the Order of the Baobab (silver) in 2019 just before his 80th birthday as a thank-you for his contributions to education and the ‘demystification of mathematics and science.’ The orders are the greatest honours available to South Africans.
Compiled by
First published by Cape Town etc
Also see: Zanele Mbokazi’s husband celebrates ‘lonely’ anniversary
