EngagementFit - Corporate Wellness Platform
Corporate wellness platform rescue and rebuild, migrated to CodeIgniter 4 with new UI, dashboards, subscriptions, and reporting.
Dru Connold
Full-Stack Developer & Founder of Malva Dev
Randburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Profile Summary
Full-stack developer with over 10 years of experience delivering software solutions across web, mobile, and e-commerce. Founder of MalvaDev, helping businesses transform ideas into scalable digital platforms. Skilled in modern frontend and backend stacks, e-commerce integrations, project management, and DevOps. Experienced in leading small teams, managing end-to-end delivery, and rescuing unstable systems to production quality.
Core Skills
- Frontend Development: React, Next.js, Angular, Tailwind, Bootstrap
- Backend Development: Django, Node.js, PHP (CodeIgniter, Vendure)
- Mobile Apps: React Native, Cross-platform Solutions
- Databases: PostgreSQL, MySQL, Firebase, Supabase
- E-Commerce: Shopify, Vendure, Custom Memberships, Payments (Netcash, PayFast)
- DevOps & Cloud: AWS, DigitalOcean, Docker, Unraid, CI/CD Pipelines
- Other Expertise: SEO, Web Performance, Automation, Data Visualization
LANGUAGES & FRAMEWORKS
- Frontend: JavaScript (ES6+) · TypeScript · HTML5 · CSS3 / SCSS · JSON
- Backend: PHP (CodeIgniter / Laravel) · Python (Django / FastAPI) · Node.js (Express / NestJS) · Go (basic tooling)
- Cross-Platform & Mobile: Dart / Flutter · Electron.js · Tauri
- Scripting & Automation: Bash · PowerShell · Make · npm / pnpm scripts
- Query & Data Formats: SQL · PostgreSQL PL/pgSQL · GraphQL · REST API Schemas
- Markup & Documentation: Markdown · YAML · XML · OpenAPI / Swagger
Professional Experience
MalvaDev – Business Owner
June 2023 – Present | Randburg, Gauteng, South Africa
- Delivering full-stack development services for international and South African clients.
- Built and maintained scalable platforms (Next.js, Django, Angular, Vendure).
- Led rescue projects by stabilizing broken offshore builds and delivering production-ready systems.
- Introduced automation, CI/CD pipelines, and cloud infrastructure (AWS, DigitalOcean).
- Managed a small team of developers and designers.
SDF – Export Parts Manager
April 2016 – May 2023 | Southern Africa
- Managed spare parts distribution across Southern Africa, streamlining logistics and workflows.
- Implemented digital systems for efficiency and accuracy.
- Coordinated with international suppliers and led a regional team.
ISIS-DIES – Maintenance Head / Engineering Assistant
August 2010 – February 2016 | Johannesburg, South Africa
- Progressed from Safety Coordinator to Head of Maintenance.
- Oversaw mechanical and electrical maintenance, CAD design, and PLC systems.
- Implemented preventive schedules, supervised technical staff, and managed stock.
Projects
DANSA – Dive Insurance Membership Website
Membership platform for divers and families with automated Netcash payments, upgrades, and family coverage rules.
Exclusive Books – Shopify Integration & Automation
Shopify integration for 6M+ products, real-time sync with MySQL, GraphQL APIs, and automation for vouchers and pickup points.
FinnPont – SEO Optimization
SEO audit and optimization to improve PageSpeed, metadata, and structured data for stronger search rankings.
SmartBiii – Social Shopping & Collaboration Platform
Social media-inspired shopping platform that lets users crowdsource deals, share lists, and plan shopping collaboratively.
Education
- University of South Africa – Mechatronics Engineering (2012–2017)
- St. Peter’s College – Matric (2010)
Certifications
- Mechatronic Systems NQF Level 5 (Festo, 2015)
- PLC – CoDeSys NQF Level 3 (Festo, 2015)
Achievements & Interests
- Qualified Day Skipper (sailing)
- Scouter at 1st Edenvale & Eastleigh Sea Scout Group
- Sailing, Hiking