Zaid Barends

Software Developer

About Me

Innovative and detail-oriented Software Engineer with a strong foundation in full-stack development, cloud technologies, and blockchain. Experienced in leading projects from conception to deployment, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and delivering scalable solutions. Passionate about continuous learning and leveraging technology to solve real-world problems. Based in Cape Town, South Africa.

Education

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

Experience

Software Engineer

2025 - Present

Wim Technologies

  • Developed and maintained enterprise-grade web applications using .NET and jQuery.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to deliver scalable solutions on time.
  • Implemented new features and optimized existing code for performance and reliability.

Software Developer

2024 - 2025

Starstream Technologies

  • Led the development of 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.
  • Specialized in Firebase, Web3 integrations, and virtual payment technologies.
  • Contributed to product-market fit, MVP, and live deployment in a fast-paced startup environment.

IT Teacher

2024

Rylands High School

  • Developed and delivered programming curriculum for senior students (Python, Delphi).
  • Designed and evaluated assessments to measure student progress.
  • Mentored students through software development projects with real-world applications.

Software Developer Intern

2022

Skywalk Innovations

  • Worked on frontend (JavaScript, React) and backend (Spring Boot, Java, AWS) development.
  • Contributed to agile full-stack projects and collaborated with senior engineers.

Skills

Programming Languages

Java

Advanced

Python

Advanced

JavaScript

Advanced

C#

Intermediate

Go

Basic

HTML/CSS

Advanced

SQL/MySQL

Intermediate

Frameworks & Technologies

React

Advanced

Node.js

Intermediate

Spring Boot

Intermediate

.NET

Intermediate

Firebase

Advanced

AWS

Intermediate

Web3/Blockchain

Intermediate

Other Skills

Git

Advanced

Agile/Scrum

Advanced

Team Leadership

Intermediate

Technical Training

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