“The Smiths do not like to discuss ourselves,” says Abé Smith, the Federation of Governing Bodies of South African Schools’ (FEDSAS) man in the Eastern Cape who is retiring after more than a decade of service.

But actions talk louder than words and this education legend’s reputation precedes him. And all these actions are inspired by the one aspect that runs like a golden thread through Abé’s life: He wants to make a difference.

This is also how this eldest child of a school principal ended up in education. Following a couple of pit-stops through the country as far as Groblersdal in Limpopo, the Smiths settled in Klerksdorp. Here Abé and his younger brother and sister grew up in a “teacher’s household”. Abé continued this tradition by marrying Mariëtta – also a teacher.

They’ve known each other since school. Abé chuckles about his pragmatic choice in a girlfriend: “They lived in the same street and I thought it would be a great idea to have a girlfriend whom I can pick up on my way to school!” Abé and Mariëtta have been married for 47 years.

Both became teachers after Abé completed his military service and then his education studies in Potchefstroom. “She taught at Lichtenburg while I started at Zeerust. I quickly realised that this was not an ideal set-up and managed to get a position at the same school in Lichtenburg.”

In 1977 they’ve moved to Bloemfontein where Abé worked at Hoërskool Sand du Plessis until his retirement in 2005. “Bloemfontein has been so good to our family. We’ve never felt the need to look for anything else.” Abé and Mariëtta have three sons, all well-known names in the Free State. “MJ played 137 matches for the Cheetahs,” he says. His son Franco is currently the popular coach of this team and is also involved with the Springboks. Abé Jr is an excellent cricketer who played in England before following in his mother, father and grandfather’s footsteps and becoming a teacher as well. Between the three sons there are four grandchildren “and a fifth is on the way”.

In 2005 Abé and Mariëtta relocated to Jeffrey’s Bay in the Eastern Cape. To retire, they told everyone. Three months later Abé joined FEDSAS to set up provincial structures for the organisation. “I’ve known Paul (Colditz, FEDSAS CEO) for many years. When he asked me to join FEDAS I thought I’d do it for a year or two until FEDSAS is settled in the Eastern Cape. And here we are now,” he laughs. FEDSAS recently said farewell to Abé after 11 years of service.

“Abé is one of those people who enjoys everybody’s respect. His calming influence is the key to his success. When he started in the Eastern Cape FEDSAS had 35 members. Today there are 219,” says Paul.

Abé is passionate about FEDSAS. “So many principals have told me that they would not have been able to run their schools without the support of FEDSAS. In fact, some of them claim that FEDSAS’ expertise has enabled them to manage their public schools in a manner similar to private schools. This is how we will ensure quality education.”

Abé is clear about the challenges that are facing education. “The worse management, especially from the government, becomes, the more important the role of FEDSAS will become. At this stage education is not a government priority. But for FEDSAS it is the only priority.”

For this teaching legend education has also been a top priority but now there are a couple of other things that will take preference. Both Abé and Mariëtta love the outdoors. “It has always been our dream to tour our country properly. We want to camp everywhere with our caravan. Not just for a weekend – more like three months at a time!”

Back in Jeffrey’s Bay his first priority remains making a difference. “We are quite involved with our church community. I want to become involved in poor communities to make a difference there.” Because if it is in your blood to be a positive influence in the lives of others you will not get rid of it. And as far as Abé Smith is concerned, he does not want to because to serve is what he does best.