William Smith Tribute

The National Pulse

As tributes continue pouring in for renowned maths and science teacher Dr William Smith, his alma mater Rhodes University has joined in remembering South Africa's beloved “teacher of the nation”. Rhodes paid tribute to the “education giant” as it detailed his academic background with the university. The university conferred a degree of Doctor of Laws (LLD) (honoris causa) on Smith in 2021, just two years after he received its distinguished alumni award. Smith also completed his BSc and BSc (Hons), both with distinction, at the university. His parents, JLB Smith (who identified the coelacanth) and Margaret Smith (ichthyologist and accomplished fish illustrator) also had ties to the institution, Rhodes said. Smith died peacefully at his home in Perth, Australia, on yesterday surrounded by family. He moved there after his retirement to live with his family.

GUEST: Professor Mike Bruton