JD Bothma
About JD Bothma
JD Bothma is a Senior Data Engineer at OpenSanctions, where he has worked since 2023. He holds a BSc Hons in Computer Science from the University of Warwick and an MSc in Computer Science from Uppsala University, with a professional background that includes roles in software development and product management.
Work at OpenSanctions
JD Bothma has been employed at OpenSanctions as a Senior Data Engineer since 2023. In this role, he focuses on ensuring that data products related to sanctioned entities and politically-exposed persons are accurate, useful, and current. His expertise contributes to the organization's mission of providing reliable data for transparency and accountability.
Education and Expertise
JD Bothma holds a BSc Hons in Computer Science from the University of Warwick, where he studied from 2006 to 2010. He furthered his education by obtaining an MSc in Computer Science from Uppsala University, studying from 2010 to 2012. His academic background supports his professional interests in distributed systems, ontology learning, and technology protocols.
Professional Background
JD Bothma has a diverse professional background in software development and data engineering. He began his career as a Student Computing Advisor at the University of Warwick from 2006 to 2007. He then worked at Netcraft as an Internet Services Developer for one year, followed by a position at Erlang Solutions Ltd. as a Developer from 2012 to 2014. His experience includes a significant tenure at Open Up (formerly Code for South Africa), where he served as a Software Developer from 2016 to 2023 and later as Head of Product from 2021 to 2023.
Interests and Advocacy
JD Bothma has a keen interest in enhancing communication and collaboration between the state, civil society, and the public through technological innovations. He advocates for equal opportunities and freedoms for all individuals, reflecting his commitment to social responsibility within the tech industry.