Neliswa Ziyanda Penelope Ngcobo
Software Developer
Durban
Summary
Recently graduated Software Developer with an Advanced Diploma in Applications Development and proven experience building full-stack applications at DUT App Factory. Currently interning at Innovation Lab developing a WIL Management System using C# and ASP.NET. Published researcher in AI and education, having investigated the impact of LLM prompting strategies on IT students' learning outcomes. Experienced in mentoring first-year IT students and passionate about the intersection of technology and education. Proficient in C#, ASP.NET MVC, JavaScript, and modern web technologies, with growing expertise in artificial intelligence. Seeking a Software Development role where I can apply my technical skills, research mindset, and collaborative experience to contribute to innovative projects while continuing to grow as a developer.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
Work History
Software Developer Intern
Innovation Lab
Durban
08.2025 - 08.2026
- Developing WIL Management System using C#, ASP.NET, and modern web technologies
- Collaborating with development team on system architecture, design, and implementation
- Contributing to full-stack development using ASP.NET MVC framework
- Participating in agile workflows and team-based software development processes
IT Tutor
Mangosuthu University of Technology
UMlazi
02.2025 - 12.2025
- Tutored first year students in IT Development Software module and Computer Skills
- Mentored students in programming fundamentals, problem solving, and technical concepts
- Provided academic guidance and support to help students succeed in their studies
Research Contributor
Mangosuthu University of Technology
UMlazi
02.2025 - 06.2025
- Co-authored and published research paper 'Exploring the Impact of LLM Prompting on Students' Learning' in Trends in Education journal
- Investigated how IT students' prompting strategies when using AI tools affect their learning outcomes
- Analyzed prompting patterns across first, second, and third year students completing course activities
- Identified different prompting approaches and evaluated their effectiveness in facilitating student learning
- Contributed to understanding of AI literacy and effective AI tool usage in computer science education
Software Developer Intern
DUT App Factory
Durban
08.2023 - 01.2025
- Full-Stack Development: Built web-based applications using C#, ASP.NET MVC, JavaScript, Node.js, Blazor, and SQL with responsive UI design using HTML5, CSS, Bootstrap, and jQuery.
- API Development & Integration: Developed and consumed RESTful APIs to enable seamless integration between system modules and third-party services.
- Report Design & Implementation: Designed dynamic reports using Telerik Report Designer and integrated them with ABP and ASP.NET MVC applications.
- Database Management: Wrote and optimized SQL queries for efficient data access and improved application performance.
- Version Control & Collaboration: Utilized GitHub and Azure DevOps for source code management, tracking user stories, and team collaboration.
- Agile Methodology: Participated in Agile practices including daily stand-ups, sprint planning, and retrospectives, managing tasks through Azure DevOps boards.
Education
Advanced Diploma - Applications Development
Mangosuthu University Of Technology
04-2026
Diploma - Information Technology
Mangosuthu University Of Technology
04-2024
National Senior Certificate -
Bhanoyi Secondary School
12-2020
Skills
C#
ASPNet MVC
Java
JavaScript
React
PHP
HTML
CSS
Bootstrap
Angular
Ionic
Certification
Workplace Readiness Interview Upskilling Masterclass - Durban South Training Centre Trust (QCTO)
References
- Dr, Mutanga, MUT Lecturer, Mutangamb@mut.ac.za, Mangosuthu University Of Technology
- Thobani, Ndlela, Software Developer/ Mentor, thobani.ndlela@dutappfactory.tech, 0627919715, DUT App Factory
- Cassim, Vanker, Director of DUT App Factory, cassimv@dut.ac.za, 0833017864, DUT App Factory
Timeline
Software Developer Intern
Innovation Lab
08.2025 - 08.2026
Research Contributor
Mangosuthu University of Technology
02.2025 - 06.2025
IT Tutor
Mangosuthu University of Technology
02.2025 - 12.2025
Software Developer Intern
DUT App Factory
08.2023 - 01.2025
Advanced Diploma - Applications Development
Mangosuthu University Of Technology
Diploma - Information Technology
Mangosuthu University Of Technology
National Senior Certificate -
Bhanoyi Secondary School