Jaap Coetzer
Jaap Coetzer
Co-Founder & Technical Lead
With over 18 years of experience across multiple sectors (including agriculture, media, logistics, finance, and defense), Jaap brings deep technical expertise in full-stack development, ensuring every project starts with a solid, scalable code base.
Jaap stays ahead by leveraging the latest technologies, enforcing rigorous code quality across teams, and continuously learning through dev podcasts, conference talks, and hands-on exploration. He excels at translating complex business processes into robust system operations, covering edge cases comprehensively.
Beyond technical problem-solving, Jaap is an avid mountain biker who embraces challenges on and off the trails. He fosters a culture of learning, enjoyment, and high performance within the team.
Connect with Jaap on LinkedIn or Quora, where he answers questions about custom software development, app costs and mining technology in South Africa.
Core Skills / Technical Competencies
Programming Languages
C# / .NET (extensive)
Java
Swift (iOS)
JavaScript / TypeScript
Frameworks / Libraries
ASP.NET MVC
ASP.NET Web API
ASP.NET Web Forms
.NET Core
Angular
Knockout JS
jQuery
SignalR
Bootstrap
AJAX
Entity Framework
LINQ
XAML (UWP)
CocoaPods
Databases
Microsoft SQL Server
MySQL
Stored Procedures
Views
SSIS
SSRS
Crystal Reports
Cloud / DevOps Tools
Azure Services
Firebase (Push Notifications)
Google Maps API
WCF
Version Control
Git
SourceTree
SVN
TFS
Testing / QA Tools
Unit Testing Practices
Code Quality Enforcement
Other Skills
iOS / Xcode Development
Universal Windows Platform (UWP)
SAP ABAP
SAP Reports & Dialog Programming
SAP Web Services
Adobe Interactive Forms
SCRUM / Agile
Mobile Web (jQuery Mobile)
Web Services (ASMX, Web API)
SAP Integration Frameworks
Internationalization (UTF-8)
OpenGL / QT (Legacy Ports)
Work Experience
Co-Founder & Technical Lead — DankoSpark Potchefstroom/Klerksdorp, North-West, South Africa | 2015/2016 – Present
- Serves as the technical foundation and architect, building high-quality, value-for-money custom software solutions (web, mobile, bespoke systems) for clients across industries.
- Leads code quality, technology selection (modern stacks like .NET Core, Angular, Azure), team standards, and knowledge sharing.
- Translates business processes into scalable systems with full edge-case coverage; fosters learning culture and enjoyable work environment.
- Notable projects (pre- and early DankoSpark): Meerkat Online Auctions, Cool Schools Streaming, SLIPZ, Global Tax Recovery
Technologies used: ASP.NET (MVC, Web API), .NET Core, JavaScript (Angular/TypeScript), Swift/iOS, Azure Services, Git, MSSQL.
Software Developer — Senwes Klerksdorp, North-West, South Africa | Apr 2011 – 2015/2016
- Developed and maintained enterprise web/mobile systems for agriculture/grain sector, including farm management (mapping, crop planning, cash flows), grain trading platforms, intranet, mobile sites, integration frameworks, and logistics solutions.
- Designed and built Senwes Grain iOS app (price watch, weather, push notifications via Firebase, charting, integrations with stock exchanges/Thomson Reuters).
- Created Basis Link (real-time trading/bidding with SignalR), Senwes Integration Framework (connecting SAP, Windows/Web apps via Web API/WCF), and Grainovation LMS (bidding/load management).
- Supported SAP ABAP in credit/financing area (reports, dialog programs, Adobe forms, web services).
- Built Senwes Mechanisation Sales/CRM app (Swift/iOS with Microsoft backend, PDF signatures, syncing).
Technologies used: ASP.NET MVC/Web Forms, C#, Entity Framework, LINQ, SignalR, Swift/Xcode, Google Maps API, MSSQL/Sybase, Firebase, SAP ABAP.
Software Engineer — Entelect Solutions Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa | 2008 – Mar 2011
- Optimized and completed Business Day website (performance fixes, feature completion).
- Ported Java-based Artillery Target Engagement System (ATES) to Windows, with internationalization (UTF-8) and dictionary tools.
- Developed Event Manager (online mass-participation event system with custom payment gateway and customizable forms).
- Built Paarl Media Stock Management system.
Technologies used: ASP.NET MVC (early versions), MSSQL, AJAX/jQuery, Java 1.5, OpenGL, QT, SVN, LINQ.
Education & Qualifications
Degrees
- B.Sc. Honours in Information Technology — North-West University (NWU), 2007
- B.Sc. Information Technology — North-West University (NWU), 2003–2006
Certifications
- Microsoft Azure-related
- .NET certifications
- SAP ABAP exposure
Additional Information
Notable Projects
- Senwes Grain iOS App (full design/development/integration)
- Basis Link trading platform (real-time with SignalR)
- Senwes Farm Management web system (Google Maps, crop planning)
- Client websites/apps (e.g., vaaldietitians.co.za, sleeperbargains.co.za)
Interests
- Mountain biking
- Cultivating team culture of learning and fun in development work
- Developer podcasts, conferences and industry resources