Hennie was born in Germiston, way back in the early forties. The kryptonite in the mine dumps led to his family's move to Pietermaritzburg where he concluded his secondary schooling. He attended the University of Natal and University of Washington and was awarded Masters Degrees in Psychology and Specialised Education. After four years as a teacher at Alexandra High and Maritzburg College, he was appointed to the Psychological Services of the department of education. His more than 40-year -long direct involvement with children and youth was only interrupted during the early days of the amalgamated KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education when he functioned as the Managerial Assistant to the first four Heads of Department. Hennie's long relationship with Rotary started when, as a school boy, he was selected to attend a Rotary Leadership Course in Durban. His first task when appointed to the Education Department Head Office in 1970 was to assist Rotary in running a massive Careers Week involving over 2000 students. In 1984 he was awarded an Ambassadorial Scholarship in USA and, with his family, “went to school" in Seattle. On his return, he was inducted as a member of the Rotary Club of Pietermaritzburg. While having been active in all avenues of service and Club President in 1992, his work with the youth was rewarded with a Paul Harris Fellow award. In 1997 he led a very successful Group Study Exchange to Japan. He has served on many District committees. In 1992 Hennie married Beth who was then the Head of the Education Remedial Unit in Maritzburg. They have worked and played together ever since. Beth continues to support children, teachers and parents in dealing with educational, social and emotional problems. Soon after Beth herself was inducted as a Rotarian, she was proud to be the Pietermaritzburg club's first female president and our District's first female GSE leader. The De Bruins between them have four sons, a daughter and two grandchildren. Hennie has always been active and has, at a provincial level, umpired cricket and refereed rugby. In youth he sang in a band, danced professionally (has a ballet training) and more recently scuba dives when he can and indulges in birding, travel, wine, his woman and the joys of Rotary.

Born in Mayville and educated in Merebank, Natty completed his schooling at the Merebank Secondary School. He then completed his BCompt and BCompt (Hons) degree at UNISA and qualified as an Accountant in 1985. That same year he joined a Murray & Roberts subsidiary, Colas SA where he worked for 12 years, 6 of which was in the capacity as Financial Director. During 2001-2003 Natty completed a Management post graduate diploma at UKZN. At current date he runs an Accounting and Tax consulting practice and is a member of the South African Institute of Professional Accountants. Through his vocation he is honorary auditor to numerous CBOs and secondary schools in Chatsworth.

Natty was inducted into the Rotary Club of Chatsworth as a member during January 1994 and held several positions in the Club including that of President during 1996-1997. A year later he was appointed to District level as DG Representative for 1997-1999. He was appointed Assistant Governor to PDGs Richard Tolken and Clive Talbot. In 2001 he successfully led a GSE team to Istanbul, Turkey.

In 2004 he led the formation of the Rotary Club of Chatsworth High Noon and was its Charter President. He continues as a member of this young and vibrant Club.

He has served District in various capacities including chairperson for Rotaract and Public Relations. He was a member of the District committee for Foundation, GSE, and Conference and was also District attendance officer and Webmaster. He currently serves District as Webmaster and Chairperson of the Rotary Foundation Alumni sub-committee.

Natty is a sapphire Paul Harris Fellow and a recipient of the Four Avenue of Service Award.

At his side he is supported by his wife Vasanthee who works in the practice. Vasanthee is a Past Anns’ President and is also a Paul Harris Fellow. Natty & Vasanthee have two children, a son, Sershin, who recently got married to Rishaveri and a daughter, Anusha. Both his children are Rotaractors.

His passion is Rotary and this together with his family and work responsibilities, leaves him little time for hobbies.