Biography
I'm a Staff Software Engineer with over 17 years of experience building web applications, APIs and microservices in a variety of programming languages, including Python and Go. I currently work in the cryptocurrency space for one of South Africa's largest and most trusted crypto exchanges.
I have an interest in the Internet of Things (IoT) and over the past few years have spent a lot of my free time tinkering with my homelab, learning to work with hardware and automating my home using Home Assistant. I make the occational open source contribution which you can find on Github.
In the past, I've worked as a full-stack developer in the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sectors, working on and maintaining a variety of systems written in PHP, Python and Java built with MySQL and PostgreSQL databases and using Github and GitLab to version source code.
Although this doesn't form part of my current professional role, over the years I've been required to perform SysAdmin, DBA and DevOp tasks, such as setting-up Ubuntu servers, configuring, backing-up, restoring and migrating MySQL databases, as well as registering and managing DNS records.
I love gadgets and technology. I favor open-source technologies. I believe technology can change the world, however it should do so without taking over. It should simplify life without getting in the way.
I believe simpler is better. I like sharing my knowledge and experience as well as learning from others. I'm not afraid to take the lead when the situation calls for it.
When I take a break from tech I enjoy being active and challenging myself physically and mentally. I have completed several multi-day mountain bike stage races, a 12-hour solo mountain bike race, a 100+ Mile Gran Fondo as well as an Ironman 70.3 triathlon.