Vels was passionate about children’s stories and youth development and penned many other works including the youth novel Alet, which was published in 1978. Popular Afrikaans children’s TV series such as Kraaines and Wielie Walie were created under her guidance. Vels was also the voice behind Wielie Walie’s Bennie Boekwurm.
Vels was born and went to school in Reitz in the Free State. In 1954 Vels completed her BA degree at UP, majoring in Afrikaans, Dutch, English and art history.
She started her career in broadcasting in December 1954 at the SABC in Durban. It was a very fruitful career, which saw her earn many awards, including the Tienie Holloway Children’s Literature Medal from the South African Academy for Science and Arts in 2002. She also received a Laureata award from Tuks Alumni in 2000.
Image: kknk.co.za