![Thando Mini](https://jobicy.com/data/server-nyc0409/galaxy/mercury/2026/05/avatar_65571_1779685704.jpeg) Thando Mini # Senior Software Engineer / Team Lead / Software Architect Actively looking · Member since 19 Apr 2026 [Message](https://jobicy.com/dashboard-page.md) ShareLocationSouth AfricaDesired salaryUnspecifiedWork preferenceFull TimeExperience levelNot set * [Overview](#overview) * [Portfolio 0](#portfolio) * [Services 0](#services) ## About Professional summaryI've been building software professionally since 2013 — mostly with PHP, MySQL, and JavaScript, but I've spent significant time in Java, GOSU (JVM), and more recently, serverless architectures on AWS with Java 21. My career has taken me through FinTech, InsurTech, E-Commerce, Telecom, MedTech, and EdTech, and I've picked up a real appreciation for well-structured systems along the way. I'm comfortable leading small teams, drawing up architecture diagrams, and getting my hands dirty in the codebase. I'm at my best when I can take a messy monolith and carve it into something clean and maintainable, or build something new from the ground up with the right foundations. I hold an Executive Leadership certificate from Oxford University as well as a certificate from UNISA for programming in C++. My BSc in Physics and Maths at UNISA is currently on pause. Over the years, I've worked extensively with microservice architectures, event-driven systems, and cloud-native technologies, particularly on AWS. I enjoy designing scalable, maintainable systems and have experience leading teams through complex migrations and architectural transformations. My recent work includes building Sanlam's next-generation Policy Administration System using Java 21 and AWS Lambda, focusing on clean architecture principles and domain-driven design. I have a strong background in PHP and Laravel, having contributed to various high-traffic e-commerce and telecom platforms. I am adept at integrating third-party APIs and building robust backend services. I am passionate about continuous learning and mentoring junior developers, and I thrive in collaborative environments where I can contribute both technically and strategically. I have experience working in fast-paced, high-pressure settings and am comfortable managing multiple priorities while maintaining a focus on quality and user experience. I am currently based in South Africa and open to full-time opportunities where I can leverage my skills in software architecture, team leadership, and cloud-native development to deliver impactful solutions. I look forward to contributing to innovative projects and helping organizations build resilient, scalable software systems. ## Skills 20 capabilities[Angular](https://jobicy.com/talent/angular.md)[AWS S3](https://jobicy.com/talent/aws-s3.md)[CI CD](https://jobicy.com/talent/ci-cd.md)[Docker](https://jobicy.com/talent/docker.md)[Git](https://jobicy.com/talent/git.md)[HTML CSS](https://jobicy.com/talent/html-css.md)[JavaScript](https://jobicy.com/talent/javascript.md)[Laravel](https://jobicy.com/talent/laravel.md)[Linux](https://jobicy.com/talent/linux.md)[Microservices](https://jobicy.com/talent/microservices.md)[Microsoft SQL Server](https://jobicy.com/talent/microsoft-sql-server.md)[MySQL](https://jobicy.com/talent/mysql.md)[PHP](https://jobicy.com/talent/php.md)[PostgreSQL](https://jobicy.com/talent/postgresql.md)[Python](https://jobicy.com/talent/python.md)[React](https://jobicy.com/talent/react.md)[SQL](https://jobicy.com/talent/sql.md)[Terraform](https://jobicy.com/talent/terraform.md)[TypeScript](https://jobicy.com/talent/typescript.md)[WordPress](https://jobicy.com/talent/wordpress.md) ## Experience Career history ### Software Engineer · Sanlam FinTech June 2026Part of the team building Sanlam's next-generation Policy Administration System (PAS), a serverless platform with 20+ microservices and third party partner onboarding. Worked with Java 21 services on AWS Lambda, DynamoDB, Kinesis, API Gateway WebSockets, Terraform, AWS SAM, Datadog, and React Micro Frontend. Delivered a proof-of-concept replacing polling with WebSocket real-time event push, reducing latency to 56ms. ### Senior Software Architect · EOH (EasyHQ) May 2024 – February 2025Led a small in-house team on Cerebro, a compliance and governance platform with LMS, credit bureau lookups, and generative AI assistant. Reverse-engineered undocumented codebase, designed migration to microservice architecture, maintained legacy platform, and developed generative AI module for internal documents. ### Senior Software Engineer (Contract) · Pick 'n Pay (via S.A. Software House) May 2023 – April 2024Built logistics microservice infrastructure using Terraform and AWS. Developed middleware for delivery-partner integrations with event-driven architecture. Migrated legacy PHP monolith to standalone microservices, reducing deployment risk. ### Senior Web Developer · Clickatell January 2021 – January 2023Worked on high-volume messaging platform with 250,000+ messages per month and 1,000+ international telecoms. Managed carrier-specific routing rules and compliance. Built APIs and third-party integrations for internal tooling. ### Senior PHP Developer · WiGroup International (via SovTech) October 2020 – December 2020Solo developer on loyalty/rewards platform. Revamped front-end and back-end of legacy e-commerce site with new UI and tighter third-party API integrations. ### Senior PHP Developer · Liquorice Digitas (via SovTech) October 2019 – October 2020Built and maintained Sanlam Reality e-commerce application. Managed third-party API integrations and shipped new features. Worked with PHP, Laravel, React Native. ### JavaScript Engineer · Kurtosys (via SovTech) March 2019 – October 2019Supported embedded financial tools for international clients. Maintained and improved ETL pipeline built in Node.js. ### PHP Developer · Mukuru (via SovTech) September 2018 – February 2019Worked on cross-border payments platform including website, USSD channel, and in-house payment system. Built sprint-based features to improve UX and transaction reliability. ### PHP Developer · Henley & Partners September 2016 – August 2018Built and maintained corporate website and partner micro-sites. Introduced Laravel and learned Swift iOS development. ### PHP Programmer · The Reach Trust July 2015 – August 2016Developed educational web modules and Android dashboards for learners on feature phones. Conducted on-site onboarding and presentations at schools and ECD centres. ### Integration Software Developer (Contract) · Sebrio Consulting July 2014 – January 2015Built HL7 integration interfaces using Rhapsody JavaScript Engine for medical institutions. Developed clinical data exchange interfaces and configured ETL pipelines. ### Oracle JD Edwards Developer (Contract) · Santam January 2014 – June 2014Provided 3rd-line support for core financial system. Resolved re-insurance queries, assisted in data migration and financial reconciliation. ### Guidewire Configuration Developer (Contract) · Santam February 2013 – January 2014Part of integration team building new Policy Center system in GOSU. Configured and developed modules, handled data replication and migration, built document production workflows. ## Education Learning history ### Oxford University 2023Executive Leadership Programme ### UNISA 2022Certificate in C++ as a 2nd Programming Language ### University of South Africa (UNISA) 2008BSc General (Physics & Mathematics majors) - On pause Completed modules: Computer Modelling III (Python), Practical Work in Physics III, Software Project Management III, Cognitive Thinking & Problem Solving (Psychology III), Data Structures in C++ II, Classical Mechanics II, Physics of Vibrations & Waves II, Practical Work in Physics II, Computer Systems I, Programming in C++ I, Linear Algebra I, Micro Economics I, Descriptive Statistics I ### University of Cape Town 2005BSc Comp Sci Completed modules: Calculus I, Programming in Java I, Principles of Physics I, Physics of Natural Systems I ### South Peninsula High School 2004M`atric Mathematics HG, Physical Science HG, Biology HG, Technical Drawings SG, English 1st Language HG, Afrikaans 2nd Language HG, isiXhosa 3rd Language HG This professional hasn’t added portfolio projects yet. 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