Monthly Java/JVM Meetup - September 2026 (Java 27 is here!)

Agenda:

• 17:00 - Doors Open for Drinks and Snacks and Mingle
• 18:00 - Introduction
• 18:10 - Lightning talk: Java 27 is here: what can you expect?
• 18:45 - Speaker 1: Mahlatse Charmaine Sekulane
• 19:45 - Small break
• 20:00 - Speaker 2: Precious Bhembe
• 20:30 - More mingling and close.

Venue: DVT
We ask that you do not RSVP Yes if you are not sure you will be able to attend. We would not want somebody to loose out on the opportunity seeing that seats are limited.

Details:
Speaker: Mahlatse Charmaine Sekulane
Talk: Read. Think. Code.
From Problem Statement to Solution with Java & LeetCode

Abstract:
Technical questions can feel intimidating when the first instinct is to start coding immediately. This interactive session focuses on what happens before the code: how to carefully read a problem statement, identify what is actually being asked, highlight important information, ask the right questions, simplify complex concepts, work through examples, recognise patterns, consider different approaches, and determine the direction of a possible solution.

Using practical LeetCode problems solved in Java, participants will follow the thinking process behind approaching a technical problem rather than simply being given the final answer. We will use examples, analogies, visualisation, and live problem breakdowns to translate complex problem statements into simpler, understandable concepts.

The session is designed to be interactive and accessible to participants with different levels of technical experience. The goal is not simply to solve individual LeetCode questions, but to develop a repeatable way of thinking that participants can apply to coding challenges, assessments, projects, interviews, and technical problem-solving in general.

Key takeaway:
Don't rush to code. Read the problem, understand what it is really asking, think through your options, and then build the solution.

Speaker
Charmaine Sekulane is a self-taught software developer and technology enthusiast passionate about making technical concepts easier to understand and approach. Through software development, coding challenges, technical programmes, and independent projects, she has developed a strong interest in problem-solving and helping others build confidence when working with code. She enjoys breaking down complex technical concepts into simple, practical ideas that participants can understand and apply.

Social media links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charmaine-sekulane-308139387
GitHub: http://github.com/charmainesekulane232
X: @charmz23

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Speaker: Precious Bhembe
Talk: What If You Wanted to Build It… But Had to Break It?

Abstract:
Whenever you hear Java, you think build. Write the code, ship the feature, move on. It barely occurs to us that the same language could also be the thing that tries to tear your own work apart.
The talk is about that shift in Spring Boot, REST APIs, and Java-based test automation. We'll look at how REST Assured and JUnit go after an API on purpose sending it inputs it wasn't expecting, checking status codes, missing fields and edge cases and how a small easy-to-miss change can quietly break a contract that automation catches in seconds, with a precise failure instead of a vague results.
Participants will learn how a Spring Boot REST API and its automated tests actually connect controller to endpoint to Java test to check and walk away with a clear understanding of why automation deserves to be treated as a real Java skill, not an afterthought. Build it, break it, learn from it, build it better.

Speaker
Precious Bhembe a Technical Test Analyst with a background in software development. She is passionate about Java, Spring Boot, REST APIs, and test automation.

Social media links:
LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/precious-bhembe
GitHub: https://github.com/CodePrewsh

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Social media links:
Twitter/X: @jozijug
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/jozijug/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/11526975/

The Jozi Java User Group (Jozi-JUG) is dedicated to a harassment-free experience for everyone. Our anti-harassment policy can be found here (https://github.com/Jozi-JUG/constitution/blob/master/anti_harassment_policy.txt)