Simphiwe Zulu
Software Developer
I used to be just a programmer with a not-so-pro grammar, but now I’m a creator who thrives on
solving meaningful problems and delivering value through impactful work. My passion for
programming drives me to embrace growth opportunities and continuously elevate my skills. With
a broad skill set that extends beyond coding, I bring expertise in graphic design, web design, web
development, beat making, and content writing—offering a versatile approach to every project I
undertake.
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As someone who thrives on innovation, I’m eager to leverage tools like AI to maximize creativity
and efficiency in my work. I believe in the journey of growth as much as the milestones it brings,
and I approach challenges with the determination to learn, adapt, and deliver exceptional results.
Phone
Beyond my professional pursuits, I’m a lover of music, poetry, and football. Whether I’m curating
playlists, crafting verses from life’s adventures, or engaging in mindful martial arts training, I find
inspiration in the art of pushing boundaries and exploring new horizons.
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Email
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Experience
Profiles
LinkedIn
GitHub
Address
2024
Time Coders (Game Studio at Cinga Phambili) l Tshimologong
Meadowlands East, Soweto,
Precinct, Braamfontein, Gauteng, South Africa
Gauteng, South Africa
Education
2016 - 2020
BSc Computer Science
University of the Witswatersrand
Expertise
Software Development
Web Design
Web Development
Version Control
Web Host Management
Backend Development
Tech Stack
Java
JavaScript
Node.js
Spring Framework
Spring Boot
Spring MVC
Hibernate
Game Developer
Designed and implemented game mechanics, incorporating programming principles to
enhance the development process.
Managed the team's Trello task board and GitHub repository, ensuring streamlined
collaboration and task prioritization.
Created and maintained CI/CD workflows to improve the efficiency and reliability of
the team's codebase.
Experimented with unit testing in the Godot Game Engine to enhance game quality
and code robustness.
Developed custom plugins for the Godot engine, including components for the main
menu UI.
Designed UI elements, such as buttons, using Canva to create a cohesive and visually
appealing user experience.
Created a pitch deck presentation for the game studio using Canva, showcasing the
game's vision and progress.
Represented the game studio at Africa Games Week in Cape Town, networking with
industry leaders and gaining insights to assist the team.
Contributed to project management by stepping into a Scrum Master role, bridging
gaps in the team’s workflow.
Applied principles learned as a software developer to streamline processes and
improve overall game development efficiency.
Collaborated with team members to address challenges, embodying a growth mindset
and fostering innovative problem-solving.
2021 - 2024
Psybergate (Pty) Ltd l Remote
Java Developer
Psybergate (Pty) Ltd offers management and technology consulting, software
solutions, co-sourced and outsourced software development, graduate mentoring and
IT resourcing services.
Completed a six-month internship focused on mastering Java fundamentals and Java
EE, actively participating in code reviews to ensure adherence to best practices.
Contributed to rebuilding the front end of a Contract Generation tool using NextJS,
showcasing adaptability by learning the framework within a short timeframe.
Provided Level 2 and Level 3 technical support for PEG’s Bank Reconciliation System,
addressing complex issues and implementing enhancements using Java, Spring Boot,
Liquibase, Hibernate, and AngularJS.
Liquibase
SQL
Postgres
MySQL
HTML
CSS
Bootstrap
jQuery
AngularJS
NextJS
Angular
Git
GitHub
BitBucket
Maven
XML
JSON
XML
Docker
Confluence
JUnit
Mockito
WordPress
cPanel
WHM
WHMCS
PHP
Divi
C++
Python
Godot Game Engine
MQL (MetaQuotes Language)
IntelliJ
VS Code
MetaEditor
Certificates
2024
Basics of Finance
HP LIFE
2024
Introduction to Digital Business
Skills
HP LIFE
2024
Profit and Loss
HP LIFE
2024
WordPress Crash Course: Build
any Website in Minutes!
Udemy
Wrote comprehensive unit tests using JUnit and Mockito, ensuring code reliability and
reducing the likelihood of defects.
Authored technical documentation on Confluence, enabling efficient knowledge
sharing and facilitating smoother onboarding for new team members.
Managed database operations for PEG’s system, leveraging SQL to optimize
performance, ensure data integrity, and support operational needs.
Oversaw the team’s repository hosted on BitBucket, maintaining a clean codebase and
ensuring efficient version control.
Utilized JIRA to manage tasks, track progress, and prioritize sprint objectives
effectively.
Led stand-up meetings while supporting PEG’s system, fostering team alignment and
promoting collaboration.
Communicated directly with clients to provide tailored solutions for technical issues
requiring developer intervention, ensuring clarity and timely resolution.
Debugged, optimized, and enhanced existing systems to maintain consistent
functionality and performance.
Applied Agile methodologies, participated in sprint planning, and contributed to Scrum
meetings to align development efforts with business objectives.
Maintained high-quality deliverables through participation in code reviews and
adherence to industry standards.
2017
Fak’ugesi
African
Digital
Innovation
Festival
l
Tshimologong
Precinct, Braamfontein, Gauteng, South Africa
Facilitator
Guided high school students from the JCSE ImpaCT program in exploring creative
coding concepts and game design during the festival.
Introduced students to Makey Makey, helping them create custom controls for their
games and encouraging hands-on experimentation with innovative technology.
Facilitated workshops that emphasized creativity and problem-solving, fostering a
collaborative learning environment.
Provided technical and conceptual support to participants, ensuring they gained
valuable insights into game design and development.
Contributed to the festival's mission of promoting digital innovation by mentoring
young learners and inspiring their interest in technology.
2017
JCSE ImpaCT Programme | Tshimologong Precinct, Braamfontein,
Gauteng, South Africa
Scratch Instructor
Taught high school students the fundamentals of programming using Scratch as part
of the JCSE ImpaCT program.
Designed and delivered engaging lesson plans that catered to diverse learning styles,
fostering creativity and critical thinking.
Guided students in creating final projects under the theme “Games for Good,”
encouraging them to develop games that raised awareness about social causes.
Supported students in translating their ideas into functional games, boosting their
confidence in programming and problem-solving.
Promoted collaboration and innovation by providing hands-on technical guidance and
encouraging peer-to-peer learning.
Education
2016 - 2020
University of the Witwatersrand | Braamfontein, Gauteng, South
Africa
BSc Computer Science
Strengthened programming and problem-solving skills through coursework in Machine
Learning, Mobile Development, Web Development, and Relational Database
Management.
2024
Canva for Beginners: Create
Stunning Visuals Design
Udemy
2024
Essential Canva for Graphics
Design to Boost Productivity
Udemy
2024
WordPress Security
Expanded technical expertise by learning and applying technologies such as
Bootstrap, C++, JavaScript, SQL, PHP, and Python while enhancing proficiency in
Java, HTML, and CSS.
Consistently demonstrated academic excellence, earning five Certificates of First
Class in 2016, three Certificates of First Class in 2017, and a Certificate of Merit in
2017.
Awarded the IBM Bursary in 2018, recognizing academic and professional potential.
Actively participated in extracurricular activities, including serving on the committee
of the Wits Tang Soo Do Club -), receiving Wits Half Blue Colours in 2020,
and contributing to the Bhakti Yoga Society -).
2013 - 2015
George Campbell School of Technology l Durban, KwaZulu Natal,
Udemy
South Africa
2024
National Senior Certificate
Forex Algorithmic Trading
Course: Code a Forex Robot!
Udemy
2024
100 Forex Strategies + Portfolio
Expert Advisors Monthly
Udemy
2024
Forex Trading A-Z - With LIVE
Examples of Forex Trading
Udemy
2024
How To Create A Web Hosting
Business - WHMCS Tutorial
Began my programming journey in Grade 10 by taking Information Technology as an
extra class, where I learned Java, HTML, and CSS.
Developed a strong foundation in logical thinking and problem-solving through
programming projects and coursework.
Actively participated in extracurricular activities, including playing football as part of
the school’s sports program.
Recognized for academic excellence, receiving the Certificate of Merit in 2013 and
Academic Full Colours in both 2014 and 2015.
Awards
2020
University of the Witwatersrand
Wits Half Blue Colours (Tang Soo Do)
Udemy
2020
University of the Witwatersrand
2024
Certificate of First Class (x2)
How to become a web hosting
reseller and get new clients
2017
University of the Witwatersrand
Udemy
2024
How to Start and Run a Web
Hosting Business from Home
Certificate of Merit
2017
University of the Witwatersrand
Udemy
Certificate of First Class (x3)
2024 - 2025
SEO
2017
University of the Witwatersrand
Udemy
Certificate of First Class (x5)
2024
Danny Sullivan on SEO
Volunteer Experience
LinkedIn
2021
Spring MVC For Beginners Build Java Web App in 25 Steps
Udemy
2017
Mobile Application Developer Mastery Award for Students
2017
IBM
2018 - 2020
Wits Tang Soo Do Club | Braamfontein, Gauteng, South Africa
Publicity Officer
Managed the club’s social media presence, contributing to the club winning the Social
Media Presence Award at the 2019 Wits Sports Awards.
Collaborated with the committee to earn the Club Committee of the Year Award in
2019.
Contributed to newspaper articles that promoted the club’s achievements and events,
enhancing its visibility within the university community.
Created the #TangSooDontStop campaign during the 2020 lockdown, encouraging
club members to stay active and connected through virtual exercises.
2017
Mobile Application Developer Explorer Award for Students
2017
IBM
Artist Skills
Leveraged creativity and strategic communication to boost the club’s profile and
foster engagement among members.
Reference
Xoliswa Mahlangu
Richard Cruickshank
Senior Java Developer,
Psybergate (Pty.) Ltd.
Music Production
Head of Digital Learning and
Technology, Sifiso Learning
Group
FL Studio
LinkedIn: Profile Link
LinkedIn: Profile Link
Poetry
Email :
Copywriting
Canva
Graphic Design
Language
English
IsiZulu
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Email :
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