Berzel Best

Implemented and documented multiple microservices that integrated with both REST and SOAP APIs for Topup.co.zw, the largest online bill payments platform in Zimbabwe.

I employed blackfire.io, a code profiling tool, to identify problematic methods and queries responsible for the lengthy loading time of the classifieds.co.zw homepage, which took anywhere from 8 to 12 seconds to load without using cache. I optimized the SQL queries involved in retrieving data from the data source and resolved N+1 issues and 0(N^3) methods by using recursion with memoization. These efforts successfully reduced the load time to an average of 800ms seconds.

I implemented cypress.io for automated end-to-end tests in our deployment pipeline, enabling us to rapidly detect any regressions or bugs introduced during development. This initiative led to a 50% reduction in time spent by developers on bug fixing, thereby freeing up time to focus on new feature development.

I oversaw the daily upkeep of the Paynow payments gateway and disbursals API, while also offering support to client developers seeking assistance with API integration through the Paynow forum and on-site.

I contributed to daily stand-up meetings and monthly review meetings with developers and stakeholders, where we discussed progress updates, identified problem areas, and devised solutions to enhance our daily operations and overall throughput.

I partnered with the Classifieds marketing team and project manager to enhance Google Analytics tracking and Google Search sitemaps, enabling us to gain valuable insights into user behavior and optimize Google AdWords campaigns managed by the marketing team.

I developed custom WordPress themes for the PPC Zimbabwe branch website (ppc.co.zw), Rainham Park Housing Project (rainhampark.co.zw), and Unified Councils Pension Fund (ucpf.co.zw). I collaborated closely with client representatives throughout the software development lifecycle, from designing and iterating using Figma, to implementing the designs in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, as well as handling deployment, testing, and post-deployment support.

Created multiple micro services and the frontend of magetsi.co.zw, a bill payments platform that aims to provide an accessible bill payments platform.

I established an automated deployment pipeline for the four microservices supporting the Magetsi.co.zw backend using Jenkins. This initiative facilitated faster iterations and deployments, thereby improving productivity.

I developed an onmni-channel chatbot that seamlessly integrated with core APIs to enable Magetsi clients to purchase airtime, prepaid tokens, and WiFi bundles using their WhatsApp, Telegram or Twitter.

I collaborated with fellow developers to implement an enterprise business process management system for the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe. The system relied on SpringBoot MicroServices on the backend and Angular on the frontend. During the project, I gained experience with Kamunda BPMN business process modeling systems and JasperSoft for generating various certificates, such as Air Worthiness Certificates

I designed and built multiple admin portals using Laravel with Blade.