Siya.
Portrait of Siyabonga Ntombela

About Siya.

Software Engineer based in Durban, South Africa. I have over four years of experience working in higher education, contributing to digital platforms and web solutions at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) and Durban University of Technology (DUT)

Currently, I work as a Web Administrator at UKZN's College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, where I manage, develop and maintain more than 70 websites. My work includes building new websites, redesigning existing platforms, developing custom functionality and ensuring websites remain secure, accessible and up to date.

Previously, at DUT, I worked as a Learning Technology Analyst, supporting the establishment of an online distance education department through learning management systems, multimedia production, web design and front-end development.

  • 4+Years in higher education
  • 50+UKZN websites contributed to
  • 14Certificates and awards

My Career So Far.

  1. Web Administrator (Full-Stack Web Developer)

    University of KwaZulu-Natal, College of Agriculture, Engineering & Science

    September 2025 to present

    • Build and maintain WordPress sites with custom templates and post types.
    • Apply SEO, accessibility and mobile-first practice, and report with Google Analytics and RankMath.
    • Apply WordPress security measures in line with university cybersecurity standards.

  2. Learning Technology Analyst

    Durban University of Technology

    June 2025 to September 2025

    • Brought educational technology, multimedia and the LMS into course design and delivery.
    • Coordinated technical operations for online learning, including proctoring tools, the LMS and the CMS.
    • Developed training, user manuals and FAQs for students and faculty.

  3. Web Administrator (Full-Stack Web Developer)

    University of KwaZulu-Natal, College of Law and Management

    November 2024 to June 2025

    • Redesigned college websites for a more corporate, engaging experience using Figma and Photoshop.
    • Merged several departmental sites into one easy-to-use platform.
    • Supported events such as Open Day and First Year Experience with web, branding and campaigns.

  4. Web Developer Intern

    University of KwaZulu-Natal

    July 2022 to October 2024

    • Contributed to more than 50 UKZN websites by developing, redesigning and troubleshooting them.
    • Trained content managers and staff on the CMS, web governance and best practice.
    • Handled deployment, SEO, WCAG accessibility audits and security updates.

My Other Aspirations.

Music

Music has been my first love for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I enjoyed writing rap lyrics and performing my own songs in high school. At some point, I was encouraged to pursue a more conventional career, and I found myself falling in love with technology, particularly the art of building software. Although technology became my career path, music never really left me. I still enjoy discovering new artists, listening to different sounds and finding inspiration in music. Sometimes, the best coding sessions happen with a good playlist in the background.

Spotify playlists

Hip-Hop/Rap R&B Deep House

Photography

I've always appreciated the beauty of capturing moments. One album that influenced how I look at photography is FOTO by Kota the Friend. Its concept reminds me that photographs are more than just pictures; they're memories of people, places and moments that may never happen the same way again. I enjoy taking random photographs, especially of nature and the little things people sometimes overlook. For me, photography is a way of documenting life and appreciating the world around me. When combined with music, it becomes an even more meaningful form of expression.

Photo albums

Scenic Views Airbnb Stays Nature