22/08/2024
William Smith - a personal tribute
In the 1990s, which were my High school years at Fons Luminis Secondary School in Diepkloof, I would be glued to the TV screen watching the SABC Learning Channel where William Smith would deliver Mathematics and Physical Sciences lessons.
We would figuratively eat from the palm of his hands. I would also make sure to get his newspaper educational supplements on Sundays.
When learners and Educators alike would call in to his show he would treat all of them with warmth and respect, even across the colour line back in those days. I have since learnt that he accepted and taught Black learners as far back as the 1970s when it was not fashionable to do so in the Apartheid South Africa of that time.
What a wide reach he had across the length and breadth of this country.
He truly led an exemplary life.
And it was only in 2021 that the national order of the Baobab in silver was bestowed upon him. I still think that this was way overdue. But that he was engrafted into that order when he was still alive is more meaningful than would have been a posthumous conferment.
Today I am a High School Mathematics teacher but, I don't think that I have had a fraction of the generational impact of countless people that Mr Smith had in his lifetime. I continue to hold his memory and contribution in very high regard.
I stand in awe as I imbibe on the heartfelt reflections in the past two days since his passing. He was, without a doubt, a great South African and amazing human being to boot.
He is the type of person to whom the following words could be said by the Good Lord "Well done my good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Master". Now, I do not know his religious views and orientation and am not imposing mine on him.
An official state funeral would certainly be a fitting farewell send-off to this colossal figure in the educational space..ππ½ππ½ππΊππβ¨