Prince Lesapo prince-taker

Hey, I'm Prince 👋

I’m a Computer Science / Data Science graduate from South Africa who loves backend work and strong system design.
I care more about secure, reliable programs than the flashiest UI – if it runs in production, it must behave.
I’ve done well in hackathons and datathons, and I enjoy turning messy, real‑world problems into structured, working solutions.
Long term, I’m aiming at a career where Java, security, AI/data, and solid engineering discipline all meet.

Languages: Java (favourite), JavaScript/Node.js, Python, SQL
Backend & APIs: Java backend, Spring Boot (learning), REST APIs
Data & ML: Data analysis, feature engineering, basic ML workflows, dashboards
Databases: PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQL Server (academic)
Other: Git/GitHub, Docker (for Java apps), Linux, documentation (SDLC, SDD, UML)

🥇 DIRISA Student Datathon (Technical Challenge – 1st place)
Built a driver risk scoring system on real telematics data, turning raw GPS and sensor streams into usable safety scores for South African fleets.
🏆 Multiple Hackathon Wins & Podiums
Performed strongly in university and industry hackathons (including borehole/water projects and agentic AI themes), often by pushing non‑generic, high‑impact ideas under tight timelines.
💡 ThinkAble – Final‑Year Software Engineering Project
Led the design of a full system, including detailed SDLC and System Design Document, and focused on reliability, security, and clear architecture over “just making it work.”

Hot take? Java is the best language ever, I don't care man haha.

I won’t always write you the prettiest app, but I’ll write you a secure program, that’s for sure.
I’m very detail‑oriented: I like understanding how every part of a system fits together and why it behaves the way it does.
I think outside the box and can usually tell when an idea is generic – that’s a big reason I’ve done well in hackathons.
I don’t run away from being a leader: I like to know what everyone in the team is doing, help unblock them, and keep the overall quality high.

Even when I’m not coding, I’m usually still on my laptop.