Ellen Hellmann facts for kids

Ellen Hellmann (born August 25, 1908 – died November 6, 1982) was an important South African social anthropologist. This means she studied how people live and interact in society. She was also the very first woman to earn a D.Phil. degree from the University of Witwatersrand, which is a very high academic achievement.

Ellen Hellmann's Life Story

Early Life and Education

Ellen Phyllis Kaumheimer was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 1908. Her parents were Bernard Kaumheimer and Chlothilde Theilheimer. Her father had moved to South Africa from Germany in 1894.

Ellen went to school at Barnato Park and Commercial High School. She then studied at the University of Witwatersrand. In 1935, she finished her Master's degree. Her research looked closely at the living conditions in the Rooiyard slums in Doornfontein, Johannesburg. She later published this important work as a book in 1948. Ellen Hellmann earned her D.Phil. degree in 1940.

Working for Change

Ellen Hellmann was very active in groups that worked for fairness and equality in South Africa. She was a member of the Joint Council of Europeans and Bantu. She also served on the executive board of the South African Institute of Race Relations. These groups aimed to improve relationships between different racial groups.

She gave important information to official committees, like the 1955 Tomlinson Report (South Africa). She also spoke to the Cillie Committee in 1976 and 1977. This committee was investigating the riots that happened in Soweto and other areas. Ellen Hellmann also led the Isaacson Bursary Fund. This fund helped African students get scholarships for their education. She also taught at the Jan H. Hofmeyr School of Social Work.

Family and Politics

Ellen Hellmann married Joseph Michael Hellmann in March 1932. They had one daughter together. Sadly, her first husband passed away in 1941. She later married Dr. Bodo Koch in 1948.

From 1959 to 1971, Ellen Hellmann was a leader in the Progressive Party in South Africa. She was one of the people who helped start this political party. She passed away in Johannesburg in 1982.

Awards and Recognition

Ellen Hellmann received several special awards for her hard work and dedication:

• In 1968, she received an Honorary Doctorate in Law from the University of the Witwatersrand. This is a special degree given to honor someone's achievements.
• In 1970, she was given the Royal African Society’s medal. This award recognized her "dedicated service to Africa."

Her Published Works

Ellen Hellmann wrote several books and reports based on her research:

• Problems of Urban Bantu Youth, 1940
• Rooiyard: A Sociological Survey of an Urban African Slum, Johannesburg, 1948
• Handbook on Race Relations in South Africa, Johannesburg, 1949 (she was the editor)
• Sellgoods: A Sociological Survey of an African Commercial Labor Force, Johannesburg, 1953
• Soweto: Johannesburg’s African City, Johannesburg, 1969