Sikelela Mgaga

Data Scientist

GitHub | LinkedIn | Email | Phone

[email protected]

0648675892

East London, ZA

About

Highly analytical and results-driven Data Scientist with a strong foundation in operations research and a proven track record of leveraging advanced data analysis and machine learning to drive strategic decision-making. At Comair Ltd, I successfully developed key reporting solutions and deployed predictive models that significantly improved data accuracy and operational efficiency. Proficient in Python, R, SAS, SQL, Tableau, and Excel, I am adept at transforming complex data into actionable insights and fostering data literacy across organizations.

Work Experience

Reporting Specialist

Comair Ltd

Jan 2021 - May 2022

Johannesburg, Gauteng, ZA

Orchestrated comprehensive data reporting and analysis initiatives, enhancing data accuracy, streamlining processes, and delivering actionable insights that drove significant cost savings and operational improvements.

  • Developed and deployed machine learning models using PyTorch and TensorFlow, achieving over 90% accuracy in predictive analytics for critical business functions.
  • Conducted in-depth data audits and analysis, identifying over R2M in cost savings opportunities through optimized processes and data-driven recommendations.
  • Streamlined data integration by connecting and integrating various source systems, reducing data integration time by 30% and improving data accuracy by 15%.
  • Designed and implemented robust data governance by creating and maintaining comprehensive data dictionaries, enhancing data accessibility and reliability by 40% and 22% respectively.
  • Diagnosed and resolved critical database and software issues, reducing system downtime by 60% and maintaining an average resolution time of 2 hours for production issues.
  • Delivered presentations and training sessions to over 100 employees, significantly improving organizational data literacy by 40% and fostering a data-driven culture.
  • Utilized advanced statistical techniques to interpret data trends and insights, enabling data-driven decisions for over 20 projects and providing early warning for 8 critical business issues.
  • Developed and tested ETL processes to ensure seamless data integration, reducing data integration errors by 40% and contributing to a 20% increase in team productivity.

Junior Business Intelligence Analyst

Comair Ltd

Jun 2018 - Dec 2020

Johannesburg, Gauteng, ZA

Provided critical business intelligence support by analyzing extensive datasets, developing advanced models, and delivering actionable insights that improved operational efficiency and decision-making across various departments.

  • Applied advanced statistical methods and modelling techniques to analyze data patterns, enabling data-driven decisions for over 15 projects and increasing model accuracy by 15%.
  • Generated over 50 custom reports per quarter, providing actionable insights from extensive datasets that supported over 75 data-driven decisions.
  • Collaborated with Information Management to extract and blend data from over 20 sources, reducing data collection time by 25% and ensuring a 98% data accuracy rate.
  • Contributed to the development of data models and algorithms, enhancing analytical capabilities by 30% and improving overall operational efficiency by 12%.
  • Assisted functional teams in model implementation and outcome monitoring, supporting over 10 cross-functional projects and contributing to a 5% reduction in operational costs.

Education

Operations Research

University of South Africa

Jan 2023 - May 2024

Pretoria, Gauteng, ZA

Operations Research and Applied Mathematics

University of South Africa

Jan 2011 - May 2017

Pretoria, Gauteng, ZA

Projects

Customer Sentiment Text Analytics

Developed and implemented a text analytics solution to derive customer sentiment from survey data using Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques.

Advanced Passenger & Revenue Forecasting System

Designed and deployed machine learning models integrated with Tableau and R for highly accurate passenger and revenue forecasting.

Dynamic Price Optimization Model

Developed and implemented dynamic pricing models based on competitor analysis and demand patterns to optimize pricing strategies.

Predictive Fuel Price Hedging Model

Created and deployed predictive models to forecast fuel price fluctuations and advised on risk mitigation strategies to optimize procurement.

Languages

Xhosa , Zulu , English , Afrikaans , Tswana

Skills

Programming Languages

  • Python
  • R
  • SAS
  • SQL

Data Tools & Platforms

  • Tableau
  • SAP
  • Excel
  • RStudio
  • PyTorch
  • TensorFlow
  • Scikit Learn
  • Pentaho
  • Alteryx
  • Microsoft Azure
  • JIRA

Data Science Methodologies

  • Machine Learning
  • Natural Language Processing (NLP)
  • Algorithms
  • Business Intelligence
  • Data Integration
  • Data Quality
  • ETL
  • Database Management
  • Predictive Analytics
  • Statistical Methods
  • Operations Research
  • Data Modeling
  • Data Governance
  • Data Visualization
  • Reporting

Professional & Interpersonal Skills

  • Problem-Solving
  • Strategic Thinking
  • Goal-Oriented
  • Creative Thinking
  • Teamwork
  • Leadership
  • Adaptability
  • Resilience
  • Cross-functional Collaboration
  • Stakeholder Management
  • Communication
  • Negotiation
  • Service Excellence
  • Customer Satisfaction
  • Professional Networking
  • Data Literacy Training

References

Duduzile Thibedi

Vumatel, Contact: 0839589191

Norika Mahass

Absa Group, Contact: 0825846261

Nicole Naude

Comair Ltd, Contact: 0828056511