Hennie Smit was born and raised in Alberton and is married to Elmarie, two lovely children were born from their marriage.
Hennie showed interest in local government politics at an early age, no doubt his older brother, the former speaker of the City of Cape Town, Dirk Smit, had an influence on him.
At a relatively young age Hennie was elected as a councillor of the Alberton Municipality, he was later elected as deputy mayor of the same municipality.When municipalities were amalgamated in 2000, Hennie became a councillor at Witzenberg municipality. In 2021 he was elected as the councillor for ward 5 for the fifth time and was also elected as the executive mayor.
He has served as the chairperson for the corporate and finance committee; chairperson of the Local Labour Forum; member of the executive mayoral committee; member on four working groups of Salga and also member of the management team of the Togryers Museum.
Hennie’s introduction words at his inauguration reads: “The community will come first.” He continued to mention his plans for good governance; sustainable financial management; building infrastructure and socio-economic developmental plans. To mention but a few.
Hennie’s motto as mayor welcomes his guests at his office door: Let’s talk. Laat ons praat.