- Pulane holds a BSc in Agriculture, but now thrives in data engineering.
- She’s a hackathon champion, solving real-world problems with machine learning and innovative UI design.
- She builds bots in her spare time to help tackle youth unemployment.
Pulane Choshi is a Software Engineer trained at WeThinkCode_ with a deep passion for using technology to empower communities. Holding a BSc in Agriculture with a focus on Agricultural Economics from North-West University, Pulane’s career took a dramatic yet purposeful turn toward tech. She now develops scalable, data-driven solutions aimed at addressing real-world challenges—particularly those that affect underserved populations.
From Agriculture to Code: A Purpose-Driven Pivot
Before stepping into the world of software engineering, Pulane Choshi was rooted in agricultural economics. Her work involved community programs focused on economic empowerment, and that’s where a new calling emerged. “While working with communities and running programs around economic empowerment, I saw how access to technology could shift lives—especially in under-resourced areas,” she shares.
That insight led her to WeThinkCode_, an academy known for its hands-on approach to software development. “I joined WeThinkCode_ to tap into software engineering and gain the technical skills to build solutions for real-world problems. The hands-on, project-based learning approach was exactly what I was looking for,” she adds.
The Data Engineering Spark
In a world increasingly shaped by AI and machine learning, Pulane chose to dive into data engineering as her elective. “Every hackathon, tech event, and conversation I’ve been part of lately has been centered around these themes,” she notes. “Data engineering is the backbone of machine learning. You can’t build smart models without good data—clean, structured, and accessible.”
Her perspective is clear: the future of tech is data-driven, and she wants to be foundational in that transformation.
Hackathons: Confidence, Code, and Community
Pulane’s passion and proficiency didn’t take long to shine. She’s already made her mark in prestigious hackathons like Mukuru SheHacks and Nerdma Hack-AI-Thon. “At the Mukuru SheHacks, our team, Bytebankers, built a front-end UI for an API that helps customers find payout locations for remittances—basically making financial services more accessible,” she recalls.
In the Nerdma Hack-AI-Thon, her team Machine Maverick developed an AI tool that predicts fraudulent transactions before they happen. “Both experiences were intense but incredibly rewarding. They pushed my skills and gave me a lot of confidence in working with real-world problems.”
Building Bots for Social Good
Among her most exciting projects is a job-matching WhatsApp bot developed with her team. The bot connects job seekers with opportunities and uses data to generate market predictions. “It’s a practical solution that speaks to youth unemployment and access, which are close to my heart,” Pulane explains.
The Tools That Power Her Code
When asked about the tools shaping her daily work, Pulane emphasizes practical tech stacks:
“SQL helps me interact with and analyze relational databases efficiently. Git is my go-to for version control and collaboration. CI/CD tools streamline testing and deployment. Docker is a game-changer for creating consistent development environments.”
These tools, she says, are not just tech jargon—they’re essential for building scalable, maintainable software.
Tech Education and Empowerment
Pulane isn’t just focused on her own growth—she’s actively helping others bridge the digital divide. Her time at Tshimong Foundation was centered around providing free learning resources and mentorship to youth in disadvantaged communities. “I’ve seen firsthand how the right information at the right time can change a person’s path,” she says.
Her focus is clear: to create platforms that empower people—especially women and youth—with the tools to participate meaningfully in the digital economy.
Staying Ahead in a Fast-Moving Industry
The tech world evolves fast, but Pulane’s learning never stops. “I stay involved in projects, participate in hackathons, and make learning a habit—whether it’s through online courses, podcasts, or mentorship,” she explains.
Her learning ecosystem includes GitHub, community events, and organizations like SheHacks and GirlCode that provide a supportive space for women in tech.
Advice to Aspiring Women Engineers
Pulane has one central message for women considering a path in software engineering: start where you are. “Don’t wait until you feel ‘ready’—just start. There’s room for you in this space,” she insists. Her advice for diving into data and back-end development includes learning database management, mastering a language like Python, and exploring cloud basics.
Looking Ahead: Purposeful Growth
So, what’s next for Pulane after WeThinkCode_?
“I’m actively looking for an internship or entry-level role as a full stack developer. I want to grow my skills across both front-end and back-end development, while contributing to something meaningful,” she says.
But even now, she continues to build scalable, user-centered applications—especially those that address youth unemployment and educational barriers. “Ultimately, I want to be part of the tech movement that drives positive change across Africa,” she concludes.
About Pulane Choshi
Pulane Choshi is a Software Engineer and graduate of WeThinkCode_ with a foundation in agricultural economics. Her career bridges community development and software engineering, focusing on building real-world tech solutions for underserved communities. From winning hackathons to mentoring the next wave of developers, Pulane is passionate about using code as a tool for empowerment and social impact.
