Howsit everyone!
We’re back with another edition of the FEDSA Feed, and while it might be pretty cold out there, hopefully there is something in this edition that will give you a warm, fuzzy feeling.
While you read, we’d love to hear what you want more of from the FEDSA community. What would you like to see in the newsletter? What kind of talks would get you excited to join in? Reply to this newsletter with a few of your thoughts.
We’re a volunteer-run community, so we can’t promise to make every idea happen, but it is important for us to hear from you and make sure that the community works for the community we serve.
Our Open Browser Tabs
Anchor Positioning API
Tooltips, dropdowns, and popovers all need one element to stick to another. Simple idea, surprisingly tricky execution. Especially when the target sits near the edge of the viewport, and your neat little tooltip suddenly overflows.
Josh Comeau is back with one of his customary must-read articles examining the new Anchor Positioning API, a browser-native way to handle anchored UI without reaching straight for JavaScript. It is not perfect yet, and there are still cross-browser bugs that may make libraries the safer choice for production, but the direction is exciting. Within a year or two, this could become the default way to build floating UI on the web.
Read all about it here.
CSS properties you’ve never heard of
Continuing our CSS theme, Jake Archibald gives us "The Goldilocks customizable select height", in which he harnesses popovers and the aforementioned CSS anchor positioning to build a fully customisable and styleable select that works in all browsers. You'll also learn about a whole bunch of CSS properties that are probably unfamiliar. position-try-order and position-try-fallbacks anyone? Didn't think so.
Read it here.
Test your understanding of neural-networks
This edition's fun website comes courtesy of Graph Game, the best way to test your understanding of neural networks. Built by Sabrina Romanov, you choose a neural network, then try to assemble it in the fewest clicks. Each network element has an input and an output. Drag a line from one node to another to connect them. If you get it right, it will light up green. Watch out for the Rick Roll though!
Check it out here.
Brought to you in partnership with Khanyisa Real Systems
What AI-Accelerated Development Actually Looks Like at KRS
The conversation around AI in software development is dominated by big numbers and bold claims. According to Sonar’s Developer Survey 2026, AI now accounts for 42% of all committed code globally, and that figure is expected to reach 65% by 2027.
But behind the headline figures sits the real question: what does responsible AI-accelerated development actually look like day-to-day?
Continue reading here.
Print Away!
When we checked in with Sam to find out how he is enjoying the 3D Printer he won. The first project he attempted was printing the KRS logo. What a legend!
EVENTS
Mental Health in Tech
Humour, Community, Vulnerability, and ADHD
In this episode of the Mental Health in Tech podcast, we spoke with Russ Jones about the mental health landscape from a broader perspective. Russ, known for his ADHD Big Brother podcast, opened up about his late ADHD diagnosis and its profound impact on his life and career decisions. With a backdrop of personal anecdotes and a collective understanding of mental health challenges, this conversation was both enlightening and deeply humanising.
We explored the complexities of mental health challenges, sharing our own experiences with anxiety, depression, and the incessant pressures of the tech world. Together, we delved into the importance of community support, accountability, and the need for open conversations about mental well-being.
Our dialogue, rich with personal insights and collective wisdom, highlighted that mental health struggles in tech are a common thread that binds many of us. This episode serves as a reminder that our shared vulnerabilities are what make us stronger, and in acknowledging them, we pave the way for healing and growth.
Join Schalk Venter, Schalk Neethling, and Russ Jones as we unravel the silent struggles of mental health in tech, reminding listeners that they're not alone in this journey.
Take care of yourself while listening.
Job Opportunities
Capitec - Full Stack Software Engineer
A solid full-stack role spanning frontend, baacakend and cloud systems. Worth a look if Node.js, Fastify and event-driven architecture sounds like your kind of thing. Apply here.Takealot - Search Software Engineer
This is a senior role focused on improving the Takealot search functionality for millions of shoppers. Ideal for an engineer who enjoys Python, distributed systems and problems that are never as simple as “just add a filter”. Apply here.PwC - UX Designer
A strong fit for UX designers interested in research, accessibility and AI-enabled products. Bonus points for treating accessibility as part of the work, not an afterthought. Apply here.GoldTrust - Frontend/UX Focused Developer
A hands-on React and TypeScript role with plenty of autonomy and direct access to the founders. Less corporate telephone, more building useful things. Apply here.dotSure - Mid-level C# Developer
A mid-level .NET role in George, covering APIs, SQL and AI-assisted development. Also: no Sandton traffic, which feels worth mentioning. Apply here.Flash - Software Developer
A C# role in fintech with exposure to microservices, Docker and CI/CD. Good for someone who wants to work on systems that handle real money and need to stay up. Apply here.
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