Eleanor Wessels (nee Wolhuter) was born & lived in Harfield in their family home on the corner of 2nd Avenue & York Street. Her mother, Doreen, & her grandparents (Emily & Christian Wolhuter) were great influences in her life & she happily remembers her childhood as a time of safety, respect and energetic activity.

She started her career as a machinist at Enzyn African Clothing at just 13 years old, and trained as an educator after years in the clothing industry. She completed her Matric through night school & her Adult Educator’s course through SETA.

Eleanor was an avid sportswoman, and played softball, hockey (for St Raphael’s), swimming for a club in Claremont & netball (for Enzyn), among others. 

Marrying her husband, Erik Wessels, in 1969 at St Matthews Church, Eleanor has three daughters (Theresa, Lynette & Erika) and five lovely grandchildren. When they were forced to move from Harfield from the home she & Erik rented on York St, they purchased a home in Steenberg, where Eleanor still lives today.