Hi, I’m
Banele Mwale
Midrand
Summary
Accomplished Data Professional and Software Engineer with extensive experience driving advanced analytics, enterprise data engineering, and mathematical optimization within Vodacom’s Big Data Network squad. Demonstrates end-to-end expertise across full-stack tool development, scalable data pipeline architecture, and predictive modeling. Holds an AWS Cloud Practitioner certification and a Bachelor in Computing (Software Engineering, NQF Level 8). Seeking to leverage deep telecommunications domain expertise and technical execution into the Senior Specialist Data Scientist role.
Overview
1
Certification
6
years of professional experience
Work History
VODACOMMidrand
Specialist Business Analyst
01.2024 - Current
Job overview
- Advanced Optimization & Modeling: Redesigned and upgraded the 'Which Sites to Build Optimizer' (WSTBO) within the Smart Capex tool, implementing a CVXPY convex optimization model using binary integer programming (0/1 knapsack logic) to select optimal network build sites under financial and operational constraints.
- Architecture Refactoring: Simplified the WSTBO planning framework from an 8-pillar system to a 5-bin strategic model with dynamic weighting, accelerating scenario planning for high-level business execution.
- Enterprise Data Pipeline Architecture: Engineered the Dim Sum Lease & Rental data pipeline, creating the team's first direct integration between physical network site infrastructure and financial SAP lease records (amounts and contract terms) to eliminate asset reporting silos.
- Full-Stack Tooling & Dashboarding: Developed end-to-end operational dashboard tools, automated data pipelines, and custom programmatic logic to deliver real-time insights and decision artifacts for network performance.
- Codebase Modernization & BAU Governance: Proactively refactored legacy analytical codebases and data pipelines to eliminate technical debt, ensuring predictive models remain dynamic and high-value datasets are continuously future-proofed.
- Strategic Translation: Converted complex executive business initiatives into technical roadmaps, balancing potential ROI against operational risks to transform network workflows.
VODACOMMidrand
Graduate Business Analyst
01.2022 - 01.2024
Job overview
- Data Engineering & Architecture: Built and optimized foundational network data pipelines and software prototypes under the Digital Architectural Lead.
- Hackathon Innovation: Co-designed an ML-powered generator movement recommendation system during the Vodacom Innovation Hackathon, securing 2nd place overall.
- Analytics Support: Conducted deep-dive data analyses to support Radio Planning and Operations squads, directly increasing network reliability.
VODACOMMidrand
Radio Planning and Operations Intern
01.2021 - 01.2022
Job overview
- Network Optimization: Planned new cell site deployments to resolve coverage gaps and optimized existing site configurations to enhance customer satisfaction.
Education
Belgium Campus ITversityPretoria
Bachelor in Computing from Software Engineering
2022
University Overview
Core Modules: Software Engineering, Database Development, Web Programming, Project Management, Research Methods, Innovation, and Leadership
- Dissertation in Exploring the Limitations of Implementing Augmented Reality
NWUMidrand
Programme in Enterprise and Technology Management from Economics and Management Sciences
01.2021
University Overview
- Passed with distinction
- Linking Business Strategy with Tech Execution
- GPA: 80%
Skills
- Data Science & Optimization
- Mathematical Modeling
- Machine Learning Logic
- Statistical Analysis
- Complex Datasets
- Telecom Network Analytics
- Data Engineering & Full-Stack
- Data Pipeline Architecture
- Architecture refactoring
- Innovative thinking
- ETL Processes
- Data Modeling
- Custom Program Logic
- Dashboard Tool & Web Application Development
- Programming & Frameworks
- Python
- Java
- NET (C#)
- NodeJS
- Streamlit
- HTML5
- JavaScript
- CSS3
- Databases & Cloud
- MS SQL Server
- Big Data Architectures
- AWS Cloud
- Telecommunications Network Optimization
- Agile/Scrum
- Digital Architecture
- Strategic Risk Assessment
- Technical liaison
- Problem solving
- Stakeholder management
- Product knowledge
- Data analysis
Certification
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Websites, Portfolios and Profiles
linkedin.com/in/banele-mwale-a43b971ba
Projects
- Dim Sum Lease and Rental Pipeline (Vodacom), Built an automated pipeline linking physical network site data with SAP financial lease terms to optimize operational site costs.
- Which Sites to Build Optimizer - WSTBO (Vodacom), Upgraded a flagship network planning optimizer using Python (CVXPY) to solve boolean selection problems for maximum ROI.
- Vodacom Innovation Hackathon, Built an ML recommendation prototype to optimize generator logistics during power outages., 2nd Place | 2021
- Penn State International Engineering Project, Collaborated across an international three-university alliance (Penn State, Univ. of Sydney, Belgium Campus) to redesign a rural solar power distribution system in Mozambique., 2020
- BI Data Hackathon, Applied Agile development methods to rapidly build and pitch a business intelligence data model., 2020
Timeline
Specialist Business Analyst
VODACOM
01.2024 - Current
Graduate Business Analyst
VODACOM
01.2022 - 01.2024
Radio Planning and Operations Intern
VODACOM
01.2021 - 01.2022
Belgium Campus ITversity
Bachelor in Computing from Software Engineering
NWU
Programme in Enterprise and Technology Management from Economics and Management Sciences