Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites, Portfolios and Profiles
Languages
EDUCATION
Hobbies and Interests
Timeline
Generic
Potlaki Kgalalelo Makale

Potlaki Kgalalelo Makale

Cape Town, Johannesburg

Summary

Analytically driven graduate with a BSc in Mathematical Statistics and Finance, combining deep expertise in advanced mathematics, statistics, and financial modeling with practical experience in AI, machine learning, and cloud computing.

Solid foundation in quantitative methods including stochastic processes, time series analysis, Bayesian inference, derivative pricing, and copula theory.

Highly proficient in Python (NumPy, Pandas, SciPy, TensorFlow, FastAPI), R, Java, and SQL, with robust cloud computing skills on AWS (Lambda, S3, DynamoDB, Athena, SNS, SQS). Experienced in designing, developing, and deploying AI/ML models, building intelligent agents, integrating APIs, and automating cloud-based workflows. Adept at transforming complex data into actionable insights using advanced visualization tools such as Excel, Tableau, and Power BI.

Proven leadership and project management skills gained through roles as Vice Chairperson and Task Team Manager of a student society, with strengths in team collaboration, strategic planning, communication, and problem-solving. Recognized for adaptability and delivering high-impact solutions in dynamic, data-driven environments.

Overview

2
2
years of professional experience

Work History

Graduate AI Intern

Elixirr Digital
03.2025 - 04.2025
  • Developed AI solutions using AWS services (Lambda, S3, Athena, DynamoDB, SNS, SQS) to build scalable, serverless applications.
  • Built and integrated AI agents leveraging LLMs and APIs, focusing on autonomous task handling and intelligent workflows.
  • Designed and implemented chatbot interfaces connected to LLMs, enhancing user interaction and backend integration.
  • Gained hands-on experience in full-stack AI development, from cloud infrastructure to front-end conversational systems, following best practices in scalable system design.

Task Team Manager

UCT Student
01.2024 - 12.2024
  • Led a diverse team within the student society by assessing individual strengths, assigning responsibilities strategically, and providing regular support and feedback, resulting in improved project outcomes and greater team motivation.
  • Designed and facilitated informal training sessions and knowledge-sharing workshops to build team capabilities, and ensure consistent quality of work across all initiatives.
  • Conducted regular one-on-one check-ins to monitor progress, address challenges, and guide personal development, which fostered a more engaged, goal-oriented team environment.
  • Maintained operational alignment with both society objectives and university policies by coordinating task execution, tracking compliance, and proactively resolving issues to keep initiatives on track.

Vice Chairperson

UCT Student Christian Fellowship
01.2023 - 12.2023
  • Supported the Chairperson in setting the strategic direction and operational goals of the society, ensuring alignment across all teams and initiatives.
  • Oversaw cross-functional coordination between task teams, promoting collaboration, accountability, and timely delivery of key projects and events.
  • Represented the society in university forums and external engagements, effectively communicating our mission and strengthening relationships with stakeholders.
  • Mentored junior leaders and task team heads, offering guidance on leadership, conflict resolution, and planning—contributing to a stronger leadership pipeline within the society.
  • Led internal reviews of society performance, helping to identify areas for improvement and implement changes that enhanced member engagement and organisational effectiveness.

Education

Bachelor Of Commerce Honours - Economic Analysis of Financial Markets

University of Cape Town
Cape Town, South Africa
06-2026

Bachelor of Science - Mathematical Statistics and Finance

University of Cape Town
Cape Town, South Africa
12-2024

National Senior Certificate -

Milner High School
Klerksdorp, South Africa
12-2020

Skills

    Programming & Scripting:
    Python (NumPy, Pandas, SciPy, Matplotlib, Plotly, FastAPI), R, Java, SQL, Shell (Linux/Unix)

    Machine Learning & AI:
    Scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch; Deep Learning (CNNs, RNNs, Transformers); NLP (tokenization, embeddings, sentiment); Reinforcement Learning; Bayesian Inference; Feature Engineering; Time Series Forecasting; Model Evaluation & Cross-Validation; Predictive Modeling

    LLMs & AI Applications:
    LangChain, RAG, Prompt Engineering, Function Calling, Agentic Workflows, Vector DBs (OpenSearch, ChromaDB); OpenAI, Claude, Amazon Bedrock APIs

    MLOps & Automation:
    ML Pipelines, CI/CD, Docker, Model Deployment & Monitoring, Versioning; RESTful APIs (FastAPI), API Testing (Postman, Swagger)

    Cloud & Infrastructure:
    AWS (SageMaker, EC2, S3, Lambda, RDS, DynamoDB, API Gateway, IAM, CloudWatch, Auto Scaling, ELB), CloudFormation, CodePipeline, CodeBuild, AWS CLI, Boto3

    Visualization & Tools:
    Tableau, Power BI, Excel (Advanced/VBA), Bloomberg Terminal, Jupyter, Git/GitHub, Streamlit

Websites, Portfolios and Profiles

in/kgalalelo-makale-601195351

Languages

English
Proficient
C2
Afrikaans
Advanced
C1
Sesotho
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)

EDUCATION

Dux Scholar, Head Prefect,other

Hobbies and Interests

  • Emerging tech (AI, cloud computing)
  • Business, economics, financial markets
  • Piano, acoustic guitar, singing
  • Current affairs & global issues

Timeline

Graduate AI Intern

Elixirr Digital
03.2025 - 04.2025

Task Team Manager

UCT Student
01.2024 - 12.2024

Vice Chairperson

UCT Student Christian Fellowship
01.2023 - 12.2023

Bachelor Of Commerce Honours - Economic Analysis of Financial Markets

University of Cape Town

Bachelor of Science - Mathematical Statistics and Finance

University of Cape Town

National Senior Certificate -

Milner High School
Potlaki Kgalalelo Makale