News
From stuck to self-starter: Thubelihle’s breakpoint moment
Introduction
Software Developer Intern Thubelihle Dube joined the DUT AppFactory in July 2025 with a Diploma in IT and a foundation in programming, databases and web development. Three months later, Thubelihle is investigating defects in live university systems, developing practical software engineering skills and becoming a more confident, independent developer.
Every developer remembers the first time they solve a difficult problem independently. For Thubelihle, that moment came while learning to use a breakpoint to trace a problem through the code.
“That was when I realised that I had moved from simply knowing how to write code to thinking like a developer,” Thubelihle says.
The achievement was more than finding a bug. It represented a shift from relying primarily on theoretical knowledge to developing the confidence and problem-solving skills needed in a professional software development environment.
Learning to investigate first
Before joining the AppFactory, most of Thubelihle’s experience came from academic projects involving programming, databases and web development.
“I wanted to take the knowledge I had gained at university and apply it to real systems and real development challenges,” Thubelihle explains.
One of the biggest adjustments was learning to work through technical problems that did not have immediately obvious solutions.
“At the beginning, it was easy to feel stuck when something was not working as expected.”
Rather than immediately asking someone else for the answer, Thubelihle gradually developed a more systematic approach to investigating problems.
With guidance from experienced developers, Thubelihle learned to use debugging tools, examine application code, check database operations and test possible solutions. Setting breakpoints and following the execution of code made it possible to identify where unexpected behaviour occurred and better understand its cause.
This approach also changed how Thubelihle sought assistance. Instead of simply reporting that something was not working, Thubelihle could explain the problem,
describe the investigation already undertaken and identify where further guidance was needed.
“This helped me learn faster and become more independent.”
The experience demonstrated that becoming a developer is not about knowing every answer, but about developing the skills and confidence to investigate unfamiliar problems.
Working on real DUT systems
Thubelihle contributes to the development and maintenance of systems used across DUT, gaining practical experience in software development, database operations, debugging and quality assurance.
Working within established applications has provided exposure to the relationships between application features, business processes and the underlying database.
Thubelihle’s contributions include:
DUT Forms: Working with forms, submission processes, application workflows, databases and stored procedures.
Travel applications: Contributing to development tasks supporting DUT’s travel application processes.
Postgraduate-related systems: Supporting development tasks associated with postgraduate administrative processes.
These projects have provided opportunities to understand how different components of a large application work together and how changes to one component can affect other parts of the system.
Along the way, Thubelihle has gained practical experience with C#, ASP.NET Core MVC, Razor, SQL Server, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, Git and Visual Studio.
The experience has also reinforced the importance of testing changes, understanding existing code and investigating problems carefully before implementing solutions.
“Development is not only about writing code, but also about understanding the problem, investigating it carefully, testing possible solutions and learning from mistakes.”
Developing skills beyond the code
Thubelihle’s development extends beyond day-to-day programming tasks.
As a member of the AppFactory’s Quality Assurance Committee, Thubelihle is gaining experience in the importance of software quality, testing and collaborative problem-solving.
Participation in the AppFactory’s Code Retreats has provided further opportunities to practise technical skills, learn from other interns and approach development challenges in a structured environment.
Through these activities, Thubelihle has also earned certificates recognising participation in the Code Retreat sessions.
Beyond technical development, the internship has helped strengthen communication, teamwork, leadership and time-management skills.
These experiences are helping Thubelihle understand that professional software development requires more than individual technical ability. It also depends on collaboration, clear communication and a willingness to learn from others.
Guided, then independent
Thubelihle credits mentors Thobani Ndlela and Thokozani Vilakazi, together with supervisor Mr Vanker, for providing the guidance and encouragement needed to develop greater confidence.
Their support has extended beyond resolving technical problems. They have helped Thubelihle develop a more systematic approach to debugging, understand databases and stored procedures, and navigate the complexities of existing software systems.
An important part of this mentorship has been learning when to investigate independently and when to seek assistance.
Through this approach, Thubelihle has become more confident in tackling unfamiliar tasks and taking responsibility for finding solutions.
“Thubelihle has shown encouraging growth in developing the problem-solving skills needed in a professional software development environment. What stands out is the willingness to investigate technical problems, understand their causes and learn from the experience. The ability to approach a challenge systematically, while knowing when to seek guidance, is an important part of becoming an independent developer. Thubelihle’s involvement in our Quality Assurance Committee and Code Retreats also reflects a commitment to continuous learning and professional development.” Said Mr Vanker
Looking ahead
With the internship scheduled to conclude in December 2026, Thubelihle is looking forward to continuing a career in software development.
The goal is to strengthen backend and full-stack development skills, gain experience with new technologies and become a dependable developer who contributes meaningfully to a team.
Thubelihle also hopes to continue developing the problem-solving abilities and professional confidence gained through the internship.
The advice for future interns reflects the importance of patience, persistence and taking responsibility for their own learning.
“Be willing to learn and not be afraid of making mistakes. When you encounter a problem, take time to investigate it yourself before immediately asking for the answer. Most importantly, be patient with yourself because growth takes time.”
Reflecting on the experience, Thubelihle believes the AppFactory has provided an important opportunity to turn academic knowledge into practical skills and develop the confidence needed for a career in technology.
“The DUT AppFactory gave me the opportunity to turn the knowledge I gained through my studies into practical experience. It helped me grow not only as a developer, but also as a more confident, independent and problem-solving professional.”
Thubelihle Dube, Software Developer Intern
Connect with Thubelihle on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/thubelihle-dube-5b784836a