Computer science student building full-stack apps, data pipelines and physics-based games.
BSc in Mathematics & Computer Science at UNISA, with software engineering training at WeThinkCode_.
- 22
- certifications
- 8
- projects shipped
- 4
- hackathons
About Me
CS Major · Full-Stack & Systems Architecture
Tech Stack
Python · Java · Node.js/Express · AWS · Data Engineering
Education
UNISA BSc · WeThinkCode_ · NSC (Grade 12)
Certifications
21 Certs · DataCamp · IBM · Microsoft · Simplilearn
Featured Projects
Physics Games · Web Apps · Emergency Response
Hackathons
2nd Place UNISA · IBM · Hackonomics
Get In Touch
Email, LinkedIn, GitHub & Twitter Handles
Download Resume
PDF Format · Updated 2026
CONTACT
MKHABELA@PROGRAMMER.NET
Resume
PDF · 2 PAGES · 2026
/MICHAEL-MKHABELA
GitHub
@LAPLACEMKHABELA
X / Twitter
@LAPLACEXERO
ABOUT ME
Biography & Vision
I'm a final-year Computer Science and Mathematics student at UNISA, concurrently completing a Software Engineering programme at WeThinkCode_. My work sits at the intersection of full-stack engineering, data, and systems — from physics-driven browser games to emergency-response tooling and cloud-backed APIs.
I learn by shipping. Across 8 portfolio projects and 4 hackathons — including a 2nd-place finish at UNISA's Code the Climate HackaThon and a Certificate of Excellence at the GitHub Readme Generation Hackathon — I've built with Python, Java, Node.js/Express, React, Docker, and AWS. I've backed that hands-on work with 22 certifications spanning Python, Java, Git, data engineering, APIs, and cloud computing.
My philosophy: clean modular code, functional UX, and measured performance. I care about systems that are readable, testable, and built to scale — and about using those skills on problems that matter, like climate response, healthcare access, and emergency aid.
Quick Facts
- Location: Johannesburg, SA
- UNISA BSc Maths & CS — Final Year (NQF 7)
- WeThinkCode_ Software Engineering (NQF 6)
- NSC Grade 12 — Bachelor's admission (Umalusi)
- 22 certifications — DataCamp · IBM · Microsoft · Simplilearn
- 8 projects · 4 hackathons · 2nd place UNISA 2025
- Focus: Full-Stack · Data Engineering · Cloud
Full-Stack & Backend
Node.js/Express REST APIs with JWT auth, React front-ends, and Python services — shipped in projects like PickOne Medical, Swift Parcel, and Stop the Ball.
Data & Engineering
Importing, cleaning, and piping data in Python; APIs and JSON integration; ETL concepts, relational databases, and cloud storage fundamentals.
Systems & Cloud
Linux and shell scripting, Docker containers, Git-based workflows, and AWS (EC2, S3, Lambda).
TECH STACK & SKILLS
- Python Certified
- Java Certified
- TypeScript / JS Advanced
- C / C++ Proficient
- SQL & PostgreSQL Advanced
- Bash / Shell Scripting Certified
- Node.js / Express Certified
- REST APIs · CRUD · JWT Certified
- React / Next.js Advanced
- FastAPI / Django Intermediate
- Tailwind CSS Expert
- AWS (EC2, S3, Lambda) Proficient
- Docker Certified
- Git & GitHub Certified
- Linux System Admin Certified
- Cloud Computing (IaaS/PaaS/SaaS) Certified
- npm · Jupyter Notebook Proficient
- Data Importing (files, APIs, DBs) Certified
- Data Cleaning & Transformation Certified
- APIs in Python (JSON, requests) Certified
- pytest & Unit Testing Certified
- Data Pipelines & ETL Certified
- Data Storage & Architecture Certified
- Relational Databases & SQL Advanced
- Role of Data Engineers Certified
- Git — Intro / Intermediate Certified
- Git — Advanced Certified
- GitHub Portfolio & Collaboration Certified
- Branching · Rebase · Merging Certified
ACADEMIC BACKGROUND
Bachelor of Science: Mathematics & Computer Science
University of South Africa (UNISA)
Curriculum Structure:
First Level
Foundational programming, theoretical CS, computer systems, ethical ICT, and introductory mathematics (linear algebra, calculus A & B).
Second Level
Data structures, contemporary programming concepts, formal logic, differential equations, numerical methods, discrete mathematics, and real analysis.
Third Level
Advanced programming, operating systems & architecture, artificial intelligence, theoretical CS III, complex analysis, and combinatorics.
Occupational Certificate in Software Engineering
WeThinkCode_
Curriculum (Month Blocks):
Months 1 - 4 · Programming
Python fundamentals: constructs, data structures, conceptual understanding.
Months 5 - 8 · OOP
Java OOP: encapsulation, inheritance, polymorphism, client-server networking.
Months 9 - 12 · Brownfields
Agile teams, TDD, relational databases, SQL, and refactoring legacy codebases.
Months 13 - 16 · Electives
Automation QA, Mobile App Development, and Systems Integration.
National Senior Certificate (Grade 12)
Umalusi · Republic of South Africa
Subjects:
Languages
IsiZulu Home Language 58% (L4) · English FAL 72% (L6)
Core
Mathematics 62% (L5) · Life Orientation 86% (L7)
Electives
Business Studies 62% (L5) · Geography 64% (L5) · Life Sciences 68% (L5) · Physical Sciences 68% (L5)
CERTIFICATIONS & CREDENTIALS
Version Control — Git Track
3 Statements of Accomplishment
Introduction to Git
2 HRS · Aug 24, 2026 · ID #49,420,784
Intermediate Git
2 HRS · Aug 24, 2026 · ID #49,423,662
Advanced Git
2026
Python Developer Track
2 Statements of Accomplishment
Introduction to Python for Developers
2026
Intermediate Python for Developers
2026
Data Import & Cleaning Track
3 Statements of Accomplishment
Introduction to Importing Data in Python
2026
Intermediate Importing Data in Python
2026
Cleaning Data in Python
2026
APIs & Cloud Track
2 Statements of Accomplishment
Introduction to APIs in Python
2026
Understanding Cloud Computing
2026
Data Engineering Track
2 Statements of Accomplishment
Introduction to Data Engineering
2026
Understanding Data Engineering
2026
Java Track
4 Statements of Accomplishment
Introduction to Java
4 HRS · Aug 30, 2026 · ID #49,605,531
Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming in Java
4 HRS · Aug 30, 2026 · ID #49,610,057
Data Types and Exceptions in Java
4 HRS · Aug 30, 2026 · ID #49,617,193
Introduction to Testing in Java
3 HRS · Aug 29, 2026 · ID #49,588,837
Docker & NodeJS Essentials
3 Certificates of Completion · 2026
Getting Started with Docker
Apr 4, 2026 · ID 10053846
Getting Started with NodeJS
Mar 26, 2026 · ID 10007030
Git Training
Apr 4, 2026 · ID 10053362
Course Certificates
4 Course Certificates · 2026
Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals
Microsoft · Oct 27, 2026
Cert ID: EF11B0DF2A25B8E5 · 1BI795-4EC80D
FEATURED PROJECTS
HACKATHONS & COMPETITIONS
UNISA: Code the Climate HackaThon
Awarded 2nd place with team member Sthandiwe Mbokazi for a climate-focused solution built during the UNISA hackathon.
GitHub Readme Generation Hackathon
Earned the Exceptional Performance Distinction for the project UbuntuAid, submitted during the GitHub Readme Generation Hackathon.
Hackonomics 2026
Participated in the 2026 Hackonomics Hackathon, running from 30 Sep 2025 to 30 Mar 2026.
IBM Dev Day: AI Demystified
Participated in IBM's virtual event and hackathon focused on demystifying artificial intelligence.
CURRICULUM VITAE
Sabelo Mkhabela
Computer Science Specialist · Full-Stack & Systems
mkhabela@programmer.net
081 461 6661 / 072 029 5702
Johannesburg, SA
SUMMARY
Full-stack software engineer and computer science student with deep interests in distributed systems, high-performance computing, and cloud infrastructure. Proven track record in hackathons and full-lifecycle system implementation.
EDUCATION
Final Year · NQF 7 · 360 Credits
Peer-to-peer, Project-based · NQF 6
Bachelor's degree admission · Maths 62% · Physical Sciences 68% · Life Sciences 68% · English FAL 72%
ACHIEVEMENTS & HACKATHONS
Team: Sthandiwe Mbokazi · Partners: SCADCO, UNISA, Microsoft, AI Innovation
Exceptional Performance Distinction · Project: UbuntuAid · PresentMe Academy
Issued by IBM · Virtual Event + Hackathon
CERTIFICATIONS
16 Statements of Accomplishment: Git (Intro/Intermediate/Advanced), Python for Developers (Intro/Intermediate), Data Importing & Cleaning (×3), APIs in Python, Cloud Computing, Data Engineering (×2), Java (×4).
Hands-on Introduction to Linux Commands and Shell Scripting (IBM) · Python Programming Fundamentals (Microsoft) · Developing Backend Apps with Node.js and Express (IBM)
Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) · Certificate ID: EF11B0DF2A25B8E5 · Certification No.: 1BI795-4EC80D
Getting Started with Docker · Getting Started with NodeJS · Git Training
Total: 22 industry-recognized certifications
SELECTED PROJECTS
Physics-based Jenga with rigid-body stacking and touch controls — demo · code
Fast-reaction arcade game with canvas rendering and score tracking — demo · code
Emergency response app · Certificate of Excellence (GitHub Readme Generation Hackathon) — code
Medical decision-support web app — demo · code
Action game with combat mechanics and level systems — demo · code
Full project portfolio and case studies — portfolio-sabelo.netlify.app
TECHNICAL PROFICIENCIES
Languages: C++, Python, Java, JavaScript/TypeScript, SQL, HTML/CSS
Data: Importing & Cleaning, APIs, Data Engineering, ETL, Cloud Computing
Tools & Platforms: Docker, AWS, React, Node.js/Express, Git, Linux, Tailwind CSS