CPF Method Wins Best Breakthrough Solution: Interview With Bongane Mawele

CPF Method Wins Best Breakthrough Solution: Interview With Bongane Mawele. Bongane Mawele is part of a new generation of South African developers reshaping everyday digital experiences through practical, people-focused innovation. Recently named Breakthrough Developer of the Year, Bongane has gained attention for CPF Method, an app designed to simplify unit conversions for users navigating metric and imperial systems. What started as a response to a common frustration has evolved into a reliable tool built with precision, accessibility, and ease of use at its core. In this interview, Bongane reflects on the inspiration behind his work, the challenges that shaped his growth, and how the recognition he has earned is fueling his ambition to build even more impactful solutions for his community and the broader tech ecosystem. Read all about it below!

What does being named Breakthrough Developer of the Year mean to you?

Being named Breakthrough Developer of the Year is an incredible honor, and I’m thrilled to have CPF Method recognized for its potential to simplify unit conversions.

What sparked your interest in app development?

I noticed how often people struggle with unit conversions, especially when traveling or working with international teams. I wanted to create a tool that makes it easy to switch between metric and imperial systems.

Tell us about the CPF Method — what problem does it solve?

The CPF Method app uses a simple, intuitive interface to solve the problem of confusing unit conversions. Users can quickly convert between units like kilometers to miles, Celsius to Fahrenheit, kilograms to pounds, and more.

What was the biggest learning moment on your journey this year?

A big learning moment for me was realizing the importance of precision and accuracy in unit conversions. Users rely on CPF Method to get it right, so I’ve had to ensure the app is robust and reliable.

How has the FNB App Academy or wider ecosystem supported your growth?

The FNB App Academy has been amazing – their support and resources have helped me refine CPF Method and connect with other developers.

What technology stack do you enjoy working with most and why?

I’m loving working with Java and Kotlin for CPF Method. They allow me to build a native, high-performance experience for Android users.

What challenges did you overcome in developing your solution?

One challenge was handling edge cases and ensuring the app works offline. It was a great learning experience in terms of optimizing performance.

What impact do you hope to make in your community or industry?

I hope CPF Method makes a difference by simplifying conversions and saving people time. Maybe it’ll even help more people feel comfortable working with different unit systems.

How are you planning to use this recognition in your career going forward?

This recognition will help me push CPF Method further, maybe even
explore other tools that make life easier.

What’s next for you as a rising developer?

Next up, I’d love to add more features and integrations and keep improving the app based on user feedback.