Tawanda Makunike
@tawanike
Intermediate Backend Engineer specializing in Python, Django, and scalable systems.
What I'm looking for
I am an Intermediate Backend Engineer with a strong foundation in full-stack development and system architecture, specializing in Python and Django. I have led platform architecture and engineering efforts, transforming monolithic systems into microservices and improving deployment efficiency on AWS.
My experience spans engineering leadership, backend APIs, frontend integrations, automation scripting, and data analytics using Pandas to improve team productivity. I have successfully delivered products such as eButler, JoelTransport.co.za, and other scalable services while collaborating closely with product owners, designers, and cross-functional teams.
I am passionate about building robust, maintainable systems and driving technical strategy that aligns with business goals. I consistently contribute to code quality, documentation, and platform performance while mentoring and coordinating teams to achieve measurable improvements.
Experience
Work history, roles, and key accomplishments
Intermediate Backend Engineer
4-Sure Technology Solutions
Jul 2023 - Present (2 years 3 months)
Contributed to Django/Python monolithic systems and led transformation efforts to microservices, improving system efficiency and reliability; automated workflows and conducted code reviews to raise code quality and team productivity.
Lead Engineer
TransAfrica Strategic Advisory
Dec 2022 - May 2023 (5 months)
Led platform architecture and AWS-based engineering for JoelTransport.co.za, designing scalable components and APIs in Python to improve deployment efficiency and frontend performance.
Full Stack Python Engineer
Philippines Call Center Seats
Mar 2021 - Apr 2023 (2 years 1 month)
Built reusable VueJS frontend components and developed scalable Python APIs to integrate front- and back-end systems, led code reviews and sprint planning to improve team delivery.
Full Stack Python Engineer
Siyavula Education
Apr 2022 - Dec 2022 (8 months)
Maintained production servers with after-hours support and designed solutions for complex business problems using Python and JavaScript, improving reliability and user experience.
Chief Technology Officer
Mmogo Media Pty Ltd
Jun 2018 - Feb 2022 (3 years 8 months)
Led architecture and engineering for eButler.co.za and Flemoji.com, defined technology strategy, and integrated WhatsApp Business API solutions to improve user engagement and operational efficiency.
Product Manager & Lead Developer
Amalganation
Mar 2020 - Nov 2020 (8 months)
Redesigned a freelance job management platform, planned and delivered the MVP and led ongoing development of the full product offering from design through implementation.
Full Stack Developer
Leadbook Pte Ltd
Mar 2019 - Feb 2020 (11 months)
Designed and implemented a microservice for email verification/validation using Kafka to process over 100 million contacts, improving data quality and scalability.
Data Analyst and Software Engineer
Praekelt Consulting
Sep 2017 - Feb 2019 (1 year 5 months)
Designed and implemented web analytics and conversion tracking for MTN platforms, standardizing tracking to improve data accuracy for product and design teams.
Content Curator
Praekelt Consulting
Mar 2014 - Aug 2017 (3 years 5 months)
Led content curation for Telkom Group online platforms, using data analytics to enhance user engagement and content relevance across product catalogues.
Chief Technology Officer
BUISOFT Pty Ltd
Jan 2015 - Mar 2017 (2 years 2 months)
Defined technology policies and built the flagship eButler on-demand grocery platform using Python/Django and NodeJS, integrating payments and search to enable multi-sided marketplace functionality.
Education
Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework
University of Namibia
Bachelor of Economics, Economics
2013 -
Bachelor of Economics awarded by the University of Namibia beginning in April 2013.
Tech stack
Software and tools used professionally
Availability
Location
Authorized to work in
Job categories
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