Jonathan Bossenger’s Journey Through Post-Apartheid South Africa and Tech from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to JavaScript

Send us Fan MailAn unexpected conversation with a developer/teacher who cares that his students actually learn. The interview with Jonathan begins with a discussion on Brazilian jiu-jitsu, explaining its history and how it became popular in America during the early UFC days. Jonathan, who once taught Brazilian jiu-jitsu, shares his experiences of teaching at his initial school and later at his own club. The conversation then shifts to his personal life, specifically how he met his wife at a luxury department store in South Africa named Woolworth's, contrasting it with its current American counterpart. The story unfolds to reveal Jonathan's journey through various jobs post-high school, his love for cooking, and how he eventually found his passion in programming and software development by accident.Jonathan elaborates on his diverse work history, from managing a bakery at ShopRite to working at a video store, then transitioning to the insurance sector, and subsequently landing a role in Woolworth's where he delved into IT. It was during his tenure at Woolworth's that he began recognizing his affinity for computers and programming, leading him to pursue a programming diploma. Jonathan's growth in the tech field was a natural progression from his initial fiddling with an auctioned computer his uncle gifted him, to becoming an expert software developer.A significant part of the discussion focuses on South Africa's transitional period from apartheid to democracy. Jonathan reflects on his family's liberal views and his high school experiences at the first integrated school, culminating in an understanding of the stark reality of apartheid only after interacting with people who had lived through the severe racial segregation. His recollections also cover notable historical milestones, such as Nelson Mandela's release from prison and the 1995 Rugby World Cup, which were pivotal in shaping his views on racial equality and justice.Jonathan also shares his perspectives on the current socio-political landscape in South Africa, acknowledging the issues of corruption within the government and the ongoing societal challenges. Despite the progress since apartheid, he notes that many problems persist, and contrasts this with instances of communities clinging to the past. The discussion transitions into a lighter note on how Jonathan balances his work at Automattic, his travel experiences, and his efforts in maintaining a work-life balance.Toward the end of the interview, Jonathan delves into how he began teaching, influenced partly by his experiences during his programming diploma and jiu-jitsu days. He stresses his passion for educating others and how it led him to developer relations and advocacy roles. The interview wraps up with Jonathan talking about his future aspirations, touching on content creation and the possibility of building a recurring revenue-generating software, all while managing the demands of family life.