Vhutshilo Makhado
Data scientist
Centurion,GP
Summary
Versatile data science professional with proven expertise in academic advising, data analysis, and project leadership. Combined analytical skills with effective communication to address stakeholder needs and drive improvements in educational success, leveraging a range of technologies to deliver impactful data solutions.
Overview
2
2
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
part time Academic Insight Analyst
Eris Properties
Kimberly
01.2026 - Current
- Analyzed student performance data to identify at-risk individuals and recommend support structures, enabling targeted interventions.
- Facilitated workshops and stakeholder sessions to uncover hidden needs and define intervention strategies, enhancing overall program effectiveness.
- Produced clear documentation (reports, dashboards, workflows) to support adoption, facilitating long-term success of initiatives.
- Technologies & Tools: Python, SQL, R, Power BI, Excel, Confluence (documentation), Lucidchart (process flows)
Tutor & Peer Academic Advisor
Sol Plaatje University
Kimberly
02.2024 - 06.2026
- Tutored Data Science I–III and Intro to Programming, mentoring 100+ students and improving pass rates.
- Advised students individually, fostering effective study strategies that enhanced academic success.
- Facilitated communication between students and faculty, improving stakeholder engagement.
- Technologies & Tools: Python, R, MATLAB, C++, SQL, Miro (collaboration boards)
Data/Insight Analyst – CSIR
CSIR
Pretoria
12.2024 - 01.2026
- Led road safety analytics projects and product development, utilizing predictive modeling and creating dashboards to enhance decision-making.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to provide insights that shaped policy and drove innovation.
- Designed and deployed data solutions that enhanced accessibility for stakeholders, facilitating informed decision-making.
- Technologies & Languages: Python, SQL, R, Power BI, Tableau, Jupyter Notebook, Git
Data Analyst / Power BI Developer – Career Service
Sol Plaatje University
Kimberly
01.2024 - 11.2024
- Designed interactive Power BI dashboards and predictive models to evaluate program effectiveness.
- Presented insights to stakeholders, facilitating evidence-based enhancements in career development initiatives.
- Evaluated processes and recommended enhancements to improve efficiency and performance.
- Technologies & Tools: Power BI, Python, SQL, Excel, DAX, R, Jira (for project tracking)
Education
BSc - Data Science
Sol Plaatjie University
Kimberly 07-2026
Skills
- Business Analysis
- Communication skills
- Pressure management
- Predictive Modeling
- Dashboard Development
- Process Modeling
- Agile Delivery
- API Knowledge
- Database Fundamentals
- Stakeholder management
- Written and verbal Communication
- Conflict Management
- Ability to Work Under Pressure
- Team Leadership
Certification
- Professional Presence & Workplace Etiquette, The School of Etiquette, 2025
- Conflict Management: Resolving conflicts with confidence, Alison, 2025
- First Aid Level 1, Traumaspes Training, 2024, 2027
- Basic Fire Fighting, Traumaspes Training, 2024, 2026
- Emergency Preparedness & Response, Roshec International, 2023
- Kopano Ya Dinaledi Leadership Programme, Sol Plaatje University, 2023
- Kopano Ya Dinaledi Leadership Programme, Sol Plaatje University, 2024
- Wellness warrior health and wellness training, Sol Plaatje University, 2023
- DIRISA Datathon training, 2023 & 2024
- Fundi training, 2026
Languages
Proficient, Moderately Proficient, Moderately Proficient, Proficient, Moderately Proficient, Moderately Proficient, Proficient
Personal Information
- Ethnicity: Black
- Nationality: South African
Accomplishments
- 3rd Place – FNB National Datathon (2024)
Competed against 2,000+ participants nationwide, delivering predictive models for financial datasets and securing a top-three finish. - 2nd Place – DIRISA National Datathon (2024)
Represented Sol Plaatje University among all South African institutions, developing innovative solutions for public safety and service delivery. - 3rd Place – DIRISA National Datathon (2025)
Returned to the competition and achieved another podium finish, showcasing consistency and advanced analytical problem-solving. - Winner – CSIR Data Science Hackathon SPU (2025)
Led a team to design impactful predictive solutions, recognized for innovation and real-world applicability.
Timeline
part time Academic Insight Analyst
Eris Properties
01.2026 - Current
Data/Insight Analyst – CSIR
CSIR
12.2024 - 01.2026
Tutor & Peer Academic Advisor
Sol Plaatje University
02.2024 - 06.2026
Data Analyst / Power BI Developer – Career Service
Sol Plaatje University
01.2024 - 11.2024
BSc - Data Science
Sol Plaatjie University