President Cyril Ramaphosa will pay tribute to William Smith, a legendary innovator in mathematics and science education.
Mr Smith, who was born in Makhanda in the Eastern Cape, died in Perth, Australia, after suffering from advanced cancer.
Many recalled childhood memories of watching math and science lessons on TV after school.
In a statement, President Ramaphosa offered his condolences to the family and friends of the popular educator, who passed away aged 85.
“The outpouring of affection shown to him by the people when he was awarded the National Medal continues to be felt even many years after his retirement. [demonstrated] the place he held in people's hearts.
“Decades before we would think of him as the first 'distance' teacher, he was synonymous with his television appearance on The Heads of Knysna,” the president said.
President Ramaphosa said Smith's makes maths and science accessible to a wide audience, reaching not only learners but their parents and anyone interested in re-learning or further exploring these subjects long after they have left school.
“William Smith's passion for the curriculum and the success of the students he taught in the classroom, in high school and on television benefited millions of young South Africans even before the transition to democracy and the dawn of a new system of equal education.”