Dru Connold

Full-Stack Developer & Founder of Malva Dev

Randburg, Gauteng, South Africa

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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

EngagementFit - Corporate Wellness Platform screenshot

EngagementFit - Corporate Wellness Platform

Corporate wellness platform rescue and rebuild, migrated to CodeIgniter 4 with new UI, dashboards, subscriptions, and reporting.

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DANSA – Dive Insurance Membership Website screenshot

DANSA – Dive Insurance Membership Website

Membership platform for divers and families with automated Netcash payments, upgrades, and family coverage rules.

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Exclusive Books – Shopify Integration & Automation screenshot

Exclusive Books – Shopify Integration & Automation

Shopify integration for 6M+ products, real-time sync with MySQL, GraphQL APIs, and automation for vouchers and pickup points.

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FinnPont – SEO Optimization screenshot

FinnPont – SEO Optimization

SEO audit and optimization to improve PageSpeed, metadata, and structured data for stronger search rankings.

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SmartBiii – Social Shopping & Collaboration Platform screenshot

SmartBiii – Social Shopping & Collaboration Platform

Social media-inspired shopping platform that lets users crowdsource deals, share lists, and plan shopping collaboratively.

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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