Portrait

Hello, I'm Thamu Mnyulwa, a Machine Learning Engineer
and Data Scientist.

I code solutions

I develop ML pipelines

I play with data

Hi, I’m Thamu! I’m a machine learning engineer focusing on practical applied ML/AI solutions and learning how to use technology to solve problems.

This blog was intended to be a space to work through ideas in public and practice writing. I am actively pursuing certifications in my personal time and practicing applying them to real-world problems.

The site (and I) are still evolving; it's a work in progress. If you care about applied ML, MLOps, or messy real-world data problems, I’d love to hear from you—perhaps over a short conversation. Grab time on my calendar, or email me. Whichever fits you best.

  • Name: Thamu Mnyulwa
  • E-mail: thamumnyulwa@gmail.com

Most of what I work on falls into four areas.

Applied AI & Optimisation
In practice that has meant forecasting and demand modelling, optimisation in supply chains, and retrieval-augmented assistants over internal data.
ML Engineering
Training pipelines, model serving, drift monitoring, retraining, and governance work. I believe that the principles don't change with the stack, for example solid orchestration, automated testing, and observability that catches problems before users do.
Solution Design
Translate business outcomes into data and AI architectures. I sit between stakeholders and the technical team(s) from framing the question, translating it into a technical solution, and delivering on it.
Cloud & Infrastructure
Design reliable infrastructure for AI workloads, currently across Azure and Databricks and previously GCP. I am comfortable making infrastructure decisions and experience with Terraform.
Experience
2026 - Present
AI/ML Engineer - Ninety One
As an AI/ML engineer in a small team in the organisation, it's been a great learning experience. We’re effectively starting from a blank slate, putting processes and tooling in place so our team can try to deliver internal work sustainably.
2022 - 2026
Machine Learning Engineer and Data Scientist - Spatialedge
As an MLE and Data Scientist at Spatialedge, I developed and deployed machine learning solutions. I have been fortunate to work across finance, agriculture, and retail sectors mainly using cloud based infrastructure. Working with a diverse team of experienced developers has taught me a lot and strengthened my ability to deliver scalable ML solutions. Initially joining as part of a consulting team, I ended up in a product team building AI/Data products that we delivered and maintained in different organisations.
Education
2020-2023
MSc in Applied Mathematics - Stellenbosch University
Thesis in the area of stochastics studying the stochastic area
2019
Honours degree in Statistics - Stellenbosch University
Courses: Data Mining, Time Series, Extreme Value Theory, Multivariate Analysis, Simulation Theory, Biostatistics
2015-2018
Bachelor's Degree in Statistics and Investment management - Stellenbosch University
Courses: Statistics, Mathematics, Investment management, Economics, Accounting, Finance
Certifications
Google Cloud Digital Leader
Google Cloud Digital Leader
Google Cloud
Generative AI Leader
Generative AI Leader
Google Cloud
Associate Data Practitioner
Associate Data Practitioner
Google Cloud
Terraform Associate
Terraform Associate
HashiCorp
Contacts Info