Mandiso Ngwenya

About Me

With over 12 years of experience, including 7 years in the professional software development space, Mandiso Ngwenya has consistently demonstrated the ability to lead transformative digital initiatives. Beginning as a self-taught web enthusiast, Mandiso's journey to becoming a recognized full-stack software engineer is a testament to his commitment to continuous learning and delivering high-impact solutions. Through strategic business analysis, system integration, and custom development, Mandiso drives innovation and operational efficiency across industries.

Professional Journey

Mandiso's career in technology began over a decade ago with an intrinsic curiosity for how websites functioned. This fascination led to self-directed study in web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, which laid the foundation for a deeper involvement in software development. Over the years, this initial interest has evolved into professional expertise in systems architecture, business analysis, and custom enterprise solutions.

• Self-Taught Beginnings: Early in his career, Mandiso focused on mastering the basics of web development by building and managing websites for small businesses. During this period, key skills such as domain management, content creation, and PHP programming were developed. These early projects helped shape the foundation for future work in full-stack development.
• Freelance Consultant & Early Development (2014 - Present): As technical skills matured, Mandiso took on freelance roles, developing custom websites and operational systems for clients in South Africa and Eswatini. This phase solidified his abilities in client engagement, enabling him to deliver tailored solutions aligned with specific business goals. From static websites to dynamic, data-driven platforms, each project deepened his understanding of business processes and technology alignment.
• Transition to Professional Development (7 Years): The past 7 years have seen Mandiso's involvement grow into larger-scale projects that required complex systems integration and full-stack development. Working across multiple industries, he managed the full project lifecycle—from requirement gathering and analysis to deployment and integration. His expertise in API development, scalable architecture, and digital transformation played a pivotal role in leading these high-stakes projects.

Professional Experience

Full Stack Developer

02/2020 - 05/2024, South Africa, ZA

• Core Business Needs Definition: Spearheaded discussions to identify and address fundamental business requirements across various systems, critically evaluating challenges, potential solutions, and applicable technologies.
• Bespoke Systems Development: Engineered and implemented custom systems, including seamless integrations with existing and emerging technologies to fulfill client specifications.
• Loan Web Portal Development: Architected a loan web portal that integrates with internal loan disbursement systems and third-party services, ensuring stringent compliance with client protocols.
• Reusable Modules: Developed bespoke, reusable modules to uphold data integrity and security, ensuring that data access is restricted to authorized applications or domains.
• Project Management: Oversaw the entire development lifecycle, encompassing client engagements, coding, deployment, version control, server configuration, and thorough documentation of system requirements.

Notable Projects:

• Web-Based Ticketing and Weather Portal: Designed and deployed a comprehensive ticketing system to enhance operational efficiency while providing real-time weather updates.
• Plugin Development for Loan Applications and Job Recruitment: Created innovative plugins utilizing Vue JS for diverse applications, including loan management and recruitment processes.
• Single-Page Application for Insurance Management: Developed a cutting-edge single-page application with Vue JS and Laravel, streamlining the management of insurance gap coverage.
• Movie Maker Application Management System: Implemented a dynamic single-page application using Nuxt JS and Laravel for efficient management of film projects.
• Payment Gateway Integration: Integrated advanced payment solutions for seamless transaction processing, enhancing user experience.
• Comprehensive Loan Application System: Created a single-page application utilizing Laravel, Inertia, and Vue JS to optimize loan application processes.
• API Development for Enhanced Functionality: Developed a robust API with Laravel, significantly improving website functionality and interactivity.
• Transaction Management CMS: Built a sophisticated content management system for transaction oversight using Laravel, Vue JS, and Inertia.
• Inventory Management System: Engineered an inventory management solution leveraging Laravel to enhance operational efficiencies.
• API Integration for Financial Data Management: Successfully integrated an external API with Laravel to improve financial data handling and reporting.
• Online Tool Development: Created and maintained various online tools, including blogging systems and quotation systems, enhancing user engagement and operational efficiency.
• Website Development and Service Information Module: Developed a comprehensive website and service coverage module to enhance customer interaction and deliver detailed service information.

Intermediate PHP Developer

09/2019 - 02/2020, South Africa, ZA

• Stakeholder Engagement: Engaged collaboratively with diverse stakeholders to gather and define comprehensive business requirements, ensuring project alignment with organizational goals.
• Business Needs Analysis: Conducted in-depth analyses to design high-level product specifications, facilitating the creation of tailored solutions that address specific client needs.
• API Development: Designed and developed APIs for data integration and consumption from both internal and external sources, enhancing the functionality of enterprise tools.
• System Development: Crafted and implemented systems for internal and external clients, addressing a broad spectrum of business requirements.
• Website Design for Enhanced Engagement: Successfully designed and launched a comprehensive website for a client, significantly improving user engagement and online presence.
• Innovative Restaurant Ordering System: Developed a unique ordering system that allows customers to utilize QR codes for seamless menu access and order placements.
• Coupon Payment Integration: Streamlined promotional transactions by implementing a coupon payment method within a client-facing system.
• Administration Panel Development: Created a user-friendly administration panel to enable efficient inventory management and order tracking for client personnel.

Intermediate PHP Developer

01/2019 - 09/2019, Scottsdale, AZ

• Web Application Development: Delivered a range of online web applications utilizing the PHP Laravel framework, ensuring robust and scalable solutions tailored to client needs.
• Website and CMS Implementation: Designed and implemented a new website and content management system (CMS), enhancing digital presence and content management efficiency.
• Loyalty Rewards System Creation: Developed a customer loyalty rewards system aimed at enhancing retention and engagement strategies.
• API Integration for Data Access: Successfully integrated an external API to facilitate improved data access and functionality for a key application.
• API Development for Streamlined Data Exchange: Created APIs for a client’s CMS and website to optimize data interchange and system capabilities.
• Version Upgrade for Performance Improvement: Upgraded all applications from PHP5 to PHP7, enhancing performance and compatibility across various systems.
• MallGuide API Development: Developed a comprehensive API for managing mall data utilized by malls throughout South Africa.
• Integration of External API for Cinema Information: Implemented a comprehensive API solution enabling seamless access to cinema information for several malls.

Junior Software Developer

04/2018 - 12/2018, South Africa

• Analytics Dashboards Development: Engineered analytics dashboards to monitor hardware device data, providing real-time insights for informed decision-making.
• Data Automation and Reporting: Developed automated batch scripts to facilitate data capture and transform it into actionable Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• System Maintenance: Ensured the operational integrity and currency of people counting systems across multiple client locations.
• Internal Dashboard Creation: Constructed an internal dashboard to monitor and verify the functionality of all client tools and systems.
• Full-Stack Development: Executed both front-end and back-end development for web applications using modern technologies while adhering to the MVC framework.
• Customer Satisfaction Measurement System: Designed and implemented a system to evaluate and enhance customer satisfaction through the Net Promoter Score methodology.
• Financial Needs Analysis System: Developed a solution to assist clients in analyzing and planning their financial strategies effectively.

Freelance Consultant

2014 - Present, South Africa, ZA, Eswatini, SZ

• Custom Solutions Development: Leveraged extensive skills to provide customized solutions that address a diverse range of client needs, from static websites to complex operational software.
• Client-Focused Services: Delivered tailored solutions and support, ensuring high-quality results that adapt to varied project requirements.

Lead Developer/System Analyst

01/2017 - 10/2016, Durban University of Technology

• Client Collaboration: Engaged with clients to capture detailed business needs, translating them into functional code that aligns with project objectives.
• Customization and Implementation: Customized solutions to meet specific client requirements, enhancing both the effectiveness and usability of systems.
• System Review and Enhancement: Conducted comprehensive reviews of existing systems, proposing improvements to optimize performance and functionality.
• Cross-Functional Team Collaboration: Collaborated closely with other analysts, designers, and staff to deliver integrated and comprehensive solutions.
• Technical Specification and Coding: Produced detailed technical specifications and wrote program code to support project requirements effectively.

Web Developer/Content Management

2012 - 2016, South Africa, ZA

• Website Development: Developed multiple websites with a focus on usability, performance, and SEO optimization.
• Content Management: Managed content across various platforms, ensuring timely updates and adherence to industry best practices.
• SEO Implementation: Implemented SEO strategies to enhance online visibility and user engagement.
• Social Media Integration: Integrated social media platforms into websites to foster greater user interaction and community engagement.

Education History

• ND: Information Technology (Software Development), Durban University of Technology, 01/2014 - 12/2017, South Africa, ZA
• National Senior Certificate, Wyebank Secondary School, 01/2011 - 12/2013, South Africa, ZA

Key Achievements

• Developed comprehensive web applications enhancing user experience and operational efficiency.
• Designed and implemented WordPress plugins using Vue JS, delivering robust functionalities for loan applications and accommodation management.
• Integrated external APIs to enhance system capabilities and data exchange.
• Engineered custom web and mobile solutions with Laravel and Vue JS, optimizing content management and user interaction.

Key Technical Skills

• PHP
• Inertia JS
• VueJs
• NuxtJs
• HTML5
• JavaScript
• jQuery
• Vuetify
• Bootstrap
• TypeScript
• Drupal
• WordPress
• CakePHP
• Laravel
• MySQL
• Batch script
• Vanilla PHP
• CSS
• SASS
• SQL
• Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) Principles
• Database Management and Optimization
• RESTful API Development and Integration
• Containerization and Virtualization (Docker)
• Version Control Systems (Git)
• System Architecture
• Project Analysis
• Data Manipulation and Processing
• Systems Integration
• Requirements Gathering
• Client Relationship Management
• Modern PHP Framework Proficiency
• Joomla

Leadership & Development Focus

Mandiso's approach to software engineering is deeply rooted in the belief that technology should drive measurable business outcomes. From leading system architecture projects to developing full-stack solutions, his focus has always been on solving real-world business challenges through innovative technology.

• Full-Stack Development & System Architecture: Proficient in both front-end and back-end development, Mandiso has designed scalable systems that enable businesses to optimize their operations. His expertise includes PHP, Laravel, Vue.js, Nuxt.js, and API integration.
• Business Analysis & Client Engagement: Working closely with stakeholders, Mandiso translates complex business needs into actionable technical solutions. Every project is delivered with a focus on enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring a strong return on investment for clients.

Career Highlights

Over the course of his career, Mandiso has successfully led the development and implementation of numerous software solutions for organizations across various industries. Key milestones in his professional journey include:

• From Web Enthusiast to Software Engineer: What began as an interest in web design and basic coding transformed into full-scale system architecture and enterprise-level software development. The early focus on web structure and domain management created a strong foundation for future complex projects.
• Freelance Consultant: Mandiso's freelance work spanned a wide range of industries, delivering solutions that ranged from simple websites to complex, database-driven applications. Each project sharpened his ability to understand unique business challenges and craft custom, functional systems.
• Professional Experience (7 Years): As a senior software engineer, Mandiso has delivered integrated platforms, enterprise resource systems, and digital transformation solutions. His work includes advanced API integration, e-commerce systems, and end-to-end project management.

Key Technical Accomplishments

• Full-Stack Development: Expertise in front-end and back-end development using technologies like PHP, Laravel, Vue.js, Nuxt.js, and Inertia.js.
• API Development & Integration: Extensive experience in developing and integrating RESTful APIs for seamless data exchange and enhanced system functionality.
• Enterprise-Level Solutions: Designed and developed tailored systems that support critical business functions, improving operational workflows and customer engagement.
• Scalable Web Applications: Led the development of scalable, secure web applications that meet the complex needs of businesses across industries.
• E-Commerce Platforms & Payment Integrations: Implemented custom e-commerce solutions, integrating payment gateways to streamline transactions and enhance user experience.
• Business Process Automation: Delivered solutions that automate key business operations, reducing manual intervention and improving efficiency.
• Cloud Integration & System Architecture: Designed scalable architectures that leverage cloud services, ensuring high availability and future scalability.
• Agile Project Management: Led projects in Agile environments, utilizing version control tools like Git to ensure seamless delivery from planning through deployment.

Executive Summary

Mandiso Ngwenya's journey from a web enthusiast to a highly respected software engineer reflects a dedication to mastering the full spectrum of digital technologies. With over 12 years of experience, including 7 years of professional development, Mandiso brings a strategic and technical edge to any organization. By seamlessly integrating complex systems and aligning technology solutions with business goals, Mandiso is a key player in driving digital transformation and operational excellence.

SEO Keywords for Enhanced Organic Search

• Senior Software Engineer
• Full-Stack Developer
• Business Analyst and Systems Architect
• Digital Transformation Expert
• Client Engagement Specialist
• API Integration & Systems Design
• Scalable Web Applications
• E-Commerce Solutions
• Strategic Business Technology Solutions
• Agile Software Development