WILLIAM Smith, the mathematics teacher that many South Africans grew up with, was recently awarded a National Order for his contribution to the teaching and demystification of mathematics and science.
The award was bestowed upon him on Thursday, April 25, by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Smith, who matriculated from Union High School before he went on to study at Rhodes University, made mathematics and science accessible to all learners for free through television in a ground-breaking TV programme in the 1990s called The Learning Channel on SABC 2.
“Through the medium of television, he made mathematics and science accessible even to the most marginalised in our society,” said the Chancellor of the National Orders and Presidency Director-General Cassius Lubisi.
National Orders are the highest awards that the country, through the president, bestows on citizens who have contributed towards the advancement of democracy and who made a significant impact on improving the lives of South Africans.
Smith’s award – the Order of the Baobab (Silver) – is awarded to South African citizens for distinguished service in the fields of business and the economy, science, medicine, technological innovation and community service.
