Zaid Barends

Software Developer

About Me

Results-driven software engineer with over 5 years of experience across different sectors. Specialized in full-stack development, blockchain technologies, and system architecture design. I've worked in diverse environments from startups to educational institutions, bringing a unique perspective to my development approach. Based in Cape Town, South Africa, I'm passionate about creating clean, efficient, and user-friendly solutions that solve complex problems.

Education

  • BSc. Computer Science and Business Computing - University of Cape Town - 01/2022 - Present
  • Matric - Rylands High School - 01/2017 - 12/2021

Experience

Software Developer

05/2025 - Present

Wim Technologies

  • Maintain and build on their proprietary enterprise platform using jQuery and .NET
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver features on time

Software Developer

11/2024 - 05/2025

Starstream Technologies

  • Led development of StellarPay, a crypto-to-fiat payment platform enabling real-world crypto spending via virtual cards
  • Successfully integrated crypto wallets (BTC, ETH, USDT, USDC) into consumer applications with secure backend infrastructure
  • Expert in Firebase, Web3 integrations, and virtual payment technologies, ensuring seamless user experience and regulatory readiness
  • Strong background in startup growth and product-market fit, from ideation to MVP and live deployment

IT Teacher

08/2024 - 12/2024

Rylands High School

  • Developed and delivered comprehensive programming curriculum for senior students (16-18 years), focusing on Python and Delphi languages, as well as core Information Technology principles
  • Designed, administered, and evaluated rigorous assessment materials including examinations and practical tests to measure student progress
  • Mentored students through complex software development projects, guiding them in designing and implementing complete functional systems with real-world applications

Software Developer Intern

06/2022 - 07/2022

Skywalk Innovations

  • Frontend development – Javascript, React
  • Backend development – Springboot (Java), AWS, Maven
  • Contributed to full-stack development projects in an agile environment

Skills

Programming Languages

Java

Advanced

Python

Advanced

JavaScript

Advanced

C#

Intermediate

Go

Basic

Frameworks & Technologies

React

Advanced

Node.js

Intermediate

Springboot

Intermediate

.NET

Intermediate

Firebase

Advanced

AWS

Intermediate

Other Skills

SQL/MySQL

Intermediate

Git

Advanced

Blockchain

Intermediate

Web3

Intermediate

Agile/Scrum

Advanced

HTML/CSS

Intermediate

Projects

StellarPay

A crypto-to-fiat payment platform enabling real-world crypto spending via virtual cards. Integrated multiple cryptocurrency wallets (BTC, ETH, USDT, USDC) with secure backend infrastructure and Web3 technologies.

React Firebase Web3 Blockchain

Portfolio Website

Responsive portfolio website built with modern HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Features dynamic theme switching, smooth animations, and interactive project filtering system.

HTML5 CSS3 JavaScript

Educational Programming Platform

Developed interactive coding exercises and curriculum for high school students (16-18yo), teaching programming fundamentals using Delphi and Python. Created projects where students built full-scale systems.

Python Delphi Education

Contact

zaid.barends786@gmail.com

github.com/ZaidBarends

linkedin.com/in/zaidbarends