A Profile in Practice
Information Technology Specialist
More than twenty-five years deep in the machinery of IT — and still curious about what makes it tick.
For more than two decades I have been fully immersed in the dynamic world of IT — designing, implementing and administering systems across a remarkable range of environments. Linux, Solaris, AIX and the ever-present Microsoft platforms: my knowledge of each goes well beyond the surface, deep into the core of how they actually behave.
If there is one place my star shines brightest, it is Linux. I have carved my path to expertise there, peering past the binaries and unravelling the operating system's innermost workings. That depth is what lets me resolve issues with an efficiency that borders on the sublime — and occasionally defy what a system's limitations are supposed to be.
Databases have become trusted allies along the way: Redis, Oracle, Informix, PostgreSQL and MySQL, wielded with confidence to orchestrate integrations and extract the insight a business needs to make decisions. On the programming side I interweave the artistry of C, the versatility of Java and the elegance of PL/SQL — and with Spring Boot I build microservices that work in concert, delivering streamlined, modern functionality.
I have watched systems integration transform through the great shift from XML to JSON, and dived headfirst into both paradigms rather than merely surviving the change. Integration, after all, is not only technical: my strength is bridging the gaps between systems and between people — unravelling requirements, finding a common language with stakeholders, and aligning technology to the business as the winds inevitably change.
In the ever-shifting tides of technology, I stand as a steadfast beacon — armed with knowledge, experience, and an unyielding dedication to excellence.
At the forefront of everything is my faith and my relationship with Jesus Christ — it is the lens through which I view, and take part in, the world around me.
I serve as Northern Cape regional president of the Christian Motorcyclists Association (CMA). Combining my love for motorcycles with my commitment to my faith is a true blessing: together with riders who share the same values, we take on work that reflects our dedication to Christ and makes a real difference in people's lives.
Tinkering with electronics is one of my greatest joys — opening devices up, experimenting with circuits, and pushing at the edges of what they were built to do. Curiosity, in soldered form.
Home is a picturesque farm, and nature is my sanctuary. Caring for the land and its animals connects me to the rhythms of the earth; camping trips with the family are treasured moments amidst the wonders of creation. Animals hold a special place in my heart — from beloved pets to the farm's residents, their companionship is a daily reminder of the beauty of God's creation.
Above all, the most profound moments are those shared with my incredible wife and children. Family is the cornerstone of my life — meaningful time together, heartfelt conversations, and the simple enjoyment of one another's love and support are the truest measures of happiness.
In the pockets of time I carve out, I build personal IT projects: mobile apps, websites, and experiments with emerging technologies in a sandbox of my own. These projects keep the passion lit — and let me contribute through the gifts I have been given.
Faith intertwined with technology, nature, family and personal growth — that is the journey. As the world keeps evolving, I remain committed to harnessing innovation, blazing new trails, and redefining what is possible in the realm of IT.
— Hardus Havenga