Thando Gqabaza

Experience

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  Siemens Business Services

  Jan 2002 - Jan 2005

  Software Engineer
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  PC Training & Business College

  Jan 2002 - Jan 2002

  Lecturer
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  SBSA CIB

  Jan 2005 - Jan 2006

  Java Developer
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  TSC Technologies

  Jan 2006 - Jan 2007

  Java Developer
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  SYBASE SA

  Jan 2006 - Jan 2006

  Technical Engineer
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  FNB South Africa

  Jan 2007 - Jan 2008

  Java Developer
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  JSE

  Jan 2008 - Jan 2009

  Senior Java Developer
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  Atos

  Jan 2009 - Jan 2011

  Senior Java Developer | Technical Lead

  Key Projects: Number Management System [Safaricom-Kenya] | SMS Centre Number Change | Various USSD Projects | Enhanced Self-Provisioning Service [Vodacom-SA]

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  SITA

  Jan 2011 - Jan 2011

  Senior Specialist: Bespoke Java Development - Key Project: IFMS [Payroll]
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  Business Connexion

  Jan 2012 - Jan 2013

  Solutions Architect | ScrumMaster - Key Project: Equilibrium
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  FNB South Africa

  Aug 2013 - Jul 2014

  Senior Java Developer

  Key Projects: Legacy System Integration | Documentum Upgrade | Security Re-DesignCore Overview:Successfully redesigned and executed the connection to EIS by implementing Java Connector JCA for enhanced integration.Key Roles & Accountabilities:Revamped and implemented an advanced connection and integration to Documentum, FNB's robust document management system, ensuring seamless and efficient data handling.Implemented encryption measures to safeguard sensitive personal information stored within the database, ensuring data privacy and compliance.Piloted the development of FNB Forex projects as per project requirements, contributing to system growth and improvement. Show less

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  Helios ITS

  Aug 2014 - Oct 2016

  IT Solutions Architect - Key Project: Fusion

  Core Overview:Spearheaded a Greenfield project aimed at transforming the core administration systems of Medscheme, entailing a comprehensive understanding of the existing system and its technological landscape to identify shortcomings.Drafted a problem statement and proposed robust and scalable solutions for the administration system.An imperative non-functional requirement was the independent deployment and release of various system modules, facilitating potential module resale.Conducted thorough research on diverse technologies, including Play 2, Spring MVC, ThymeLeaf, Spring Boot, DropWizard, Logback, SonarType Nexus, JBoss Drools, Activiti, Camel, RabbitMQ, Salt, and Spacewalk, to inform technology decisions and implementations.Key Roles & Accountabilities:Mapped the strengths and weaknesses of the current Medscheme systems and researched appropriate technologies to design and implement a proof-of-concept solution with limited functionality to validate recommended approaches.Assumed a leadership role, providing guidance to the implementation partners during the solution's execution.Thoroughly documented various process-related activities, ensuring transparency and traceability.Created documentation outlining the Microservices approach, accompanied by skeleton code, proof of concept, and essential plumbing code in line with Microservices architectural style.Implemented the Microservices architectural style in conjunction with the Domain-Driven Design approach, as well as plumbing code for Microservices integration.Provided expert guidance and education to the development teams, outlining the Microservices architectural style and practical implementation, as well as emphasising architectural and development standards.Advised the project team on strategies to revise the legacy monolithic software in alignment with Microservices’ development style.[Kindly be advised, further details available upon request (Comprehensive CV)] Show less

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  Absa Group

  Apr 2017 - Jun 2019

  Solutions Architect

  Core Overview:Provided expert architectural advice and guidance to the Identification and Verification project team, with a focus on integrating various third-party solutions for an end-to-end system.Developed a high-level architectural blueprint to articulate the necessary components and services.Delivered architectural advice and guidelines to the ABSA Collections department, collaborating with teams to devise innovative solutions and evaluate external systems.Ensured alignment with the stringent requirements set by the bank’s approval committees, working closely with vendors and their applications.Offered architectural advice and guidance to ABSA Private Banking, assessing the work of private bankers to identify areas for improvement and recommend corrective measures.Engaged with back-office staff to understand their systems and processes, with the primary objective of suggesting enhancements.Key Roles & Accountabilities:Conducted in-depth analysis of the existing architectural landscape, identifying opportunities for optimisation and improvement.Offered expert guidance on the implementation of solutions, aligning the Collections department with ABSA's overarching technology strategy.Advised business stakeholders on the available solutions and recommended suitable options.Documented various process-related activities, ensuring transparency and traceability in decision-making.Collaborated with stakeholders and business units to address work impacted by the Collections department.Worked in conjunction with the core banking team to comprehend ongoing projects and the associated implications for Private Banking.Actively participated in the weekly Architecture Review Board, contributing to decisions and assessments.Provided mentorship to junior resources and interns, fostering professional development.[Kindly be advised, further details available upon request (Comprehensive CV)] Show less

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  Standard Bank Group

  Jun 2019 - now

  Core Overview:Establishes and fosters the growth of the software engineering discipline within the Standard Bank Group.Key Roles & Accountabilities:Forges strategic partnerships with vendors and FinTech companies to advance software engineering capabilities.Collaborates with different business units to ensure the widespread adoption of tools and best practices.Partners with the Learning and Development department to facilitate relevant training initiatives.Works with the software engineering communities to establish and enforce standardised guidelines.Organises and manages software engineering events and conferences, fostering knowledge sharing and networking.Initiates research and pilot programmes to evaluate the latest tools and technologies, keeping the bank on the cutting edge.Presents software engineering tools and solutions to various forums for support, approval, and adoption.Spearheads the adoption of generative AI technologies within the engineering community, driving innovation and progress.Provides coaching and guidance to smaller or less experienced teams and countries, focusing on DevOps and SRE practices. Show less Core Overview:Provided comprehensive software engineering and agile methodology guidance and recommendations to portfolios across various African countries of operation.Kept abreast of industry trends, sharing knowledge with feature teams and contributing to Standard Bank's journey toward engineering excellence in the financial services sector.Collaborated with individuals spanning all hierarchy levels, from CIOs shaping the strategic direction to engineers executing the solutions.Coordinated, organised, and drove the establishment and growth of the software engineering community, emphasising collaboration and continuous learning.Launched a knowledge-sharing platform among software engineers and fostered connections with Group partners.Planned and executed software engineering events, tailored to address topics of strategic importance to the Group, leveraging vendor partnerships.Key Roles & Accountabilities:Engaged with strategic partners to enhance and expand the software engineering competency, aligning with industry best practices.Cultivated engagement with senior management, securing their support for strategic software engineering initiatives.Orchestrated cross-segment collaboration and stimulated knowledge sharing, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.Led initiatives designed to expedite technology adoption and community growth, driving Standard Bank's technology evolution.Collaborated with sister focus areas and practices to ensure alignment in delivering high-quality services to the engineering community.Coordinated the work required from the software engineering focus area, enlisting external assistance as needed to achieve project goals.Regularly reported on the monthly progress of software engineering initiatives, ensuring transparency and accountability.[Kindly be advised, further details available upon request (Comprehensive CV)] Show less

  • Lead: Portfolio Management | Software Engineering

    Jul 2023 - now

  • Engineering Coach

    Jun 2019 - Jul 2023