KM 0 — The Rider · Northern Cape, South Africa

Portrait of Hardus Havenga

Hardus Havenga

Information Technology Specialist

Faith up front, family on the pillion, and 25+ years of IT under the tank — riding out of a farm in the Northern Cape.

The Ride

Faith on two wheels

At the forefront of my life is my faith and my relationship with Jesus Christ. It is through this lens that I view and take part in the world around me — on the road, on the farm, and at the keyboard.

Christian Motorcyclists Association

I serve as the 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.

Riding With Purpose

Together with fellow riders who share the same values, we engage in meaningful activities that reflect our dedication to Christ — and make a positive impact on other people’s lives along the way.

Faith intertwined with technology, nature, family and personal growth — navigating the diverse paths of life, inspired by the love of God.

The route I ride

The Engine

25+ years under the tank

For more than two decades I have been fully immersed in the world of IT — design, implementation and administration across a multitude of projects. Not surface-level familiarity: expertise that goes deep into the core of each system.

Operating Environments

A connoisseur of operating environments — but Linux is where I shine brightest: deep in the operating system, beyond the binary, resolving issues with an efficiency that borders on the sublime.

  • Linux
  • Solaris
  • AIX
  • Microsoft

Databases

Trusted allies for seamless integrations and insights that fuel decisions — wielded with unwavering confidence.

  • Redis
  • Oracle
  • Informix
  • PostgreSQL
  • MySQL

The Drivetrain

The artistry of C, the versatility of Java, the elegance of PL/SQL — woven into Spring Boot microservices that deliver streamlined, modern applications.

  • C
  • Java
  • PL/SQL
  • Spring Boot

Systems Integration

I rode the sweeping shift from XML to JSON that revolutionised system integration — and I bridge more than systems: I forge a common language that resonates with stakeholders, aligning technology with the business and adapting to the perpetual winds of change.

  • XML → JSON
  • Microservices
  • Stakeholder Alignment

The Gauges

Instrument cluster · skills at cruising speed
96
Linuxdeep in the OS, beyond the binary
88
DatabasesRedis · Oracle · Informix · PostgreSQL · MySQL
86
CodeC · Java · PL/SQL · Spring Boot
90
IntegrationXML → JSON · microservices · ESB
82
Other PlatformsSolaris · AIX · Microsoft

Off the Tar

Farm · family · workbench

Where the tar ends, the rest of life begins — a picturesque farm in the Northern Cape, where nature is my sanctuary for relaxation and reflection.

Family First

My most profound moments are the ones shared with my incredible wife and children. Family is the cornerstone of my life — heartfelt conversations, meaningful time together, and the love and support we have for one another.

The Farm

Caring for the land and the animals that call it home is a responsibility I cherish — it connects me to the rhythms of the earth and a deep appreciation for the natural world.

Camping

Camping adventures with my family are treasured moments — strengthening our bonds and creating lasting memories amidst the wonders of creation.

Animals

Animals hold a special place in my heart. Playing with our pets and caring for the farm animals brings joy — and a daily reminder of the beauty of God’s creation.

The Workbench

Tinkering with electronics is one of my greatest joys — exploring the inner workings of devices, experimenting with circuits, and pushing the boundaries of what they can do.

Side-Stand Projects

In the pockets of time I carve out: mobile apps, websites and emerging technologies explored in a sandbox — contributing to the world through the gifts I’ve been given.

Route continues · watch for the next marker

Ride Along

Join me on this journey where faith intertwines with technology, nature, family and personal growth — inspired by the love of God and the infinite possibilities that lie ahead.