About
Meet the boss
I'm David Papenfus. I build and manage WordPress websites from Stellenbosch, for businesses across South Africa and abroad.
You'll see "we" and "us" around this website, however Digital Trails is a one man show. When you work with Digital Trails, you work with me.
I've been in the IT industry for over 30 years. That's long enough to have seen how to do things properly, and to have seen what can go wrong. With a finely trained eye, I can often see what's coming.
Photo: Jeff Ayliffe
From the big bad corporate world to finding my own trails
I was born in Zimbabwe, grew up in Pietermaritzburg and studied in Stellenbosch. I've spent most of my working life in the investment banking IT world, whilst climbing the corporate ladder at some of the biggest global banks around.
My curiosity, enthusiasm and career ambitions took me to London, New York, Zurich and back home again. It’s been an excellent training ground.
I eventually decided to break free from the corporate clutches, and chose the life I wanted, with the freedoms I valued most, living life on this beautiful planet.
Since then, it's been a challenging yet exciting journey, bringing me to where I am today.
Why Digital Trails? My business name came easily. Digital, because it's an IT business, obviously. Then Trails, because I just love the outdoors, be it hiking or cycling on the trails, whilst enjoying the world, life and nature.
Springbok at first light. Kgalagadi, Botswana
How I like to get things done
You deal with me from the first conversation to long after your site goes live. Nobody gets in the way, no account managers, no handovers and no wondering who you're talking to this week.
Many of our website tools come in the form of premium themes and plugins. While there are often free alternatives available, I prefer to use reliable tools which work well and are properly supported by their vendors.
I also use AI as a tool to help me with my work. It will always be there to help me, but I'm the one delivering the finished product. Your website will not be "built with AI". I make sure I understand every site I build inside out, and I'll always hold the keys.
What sets David apart is his commitment to staying ahead of industry trends. He's always introducing new ideas and technologies.
Lynné Gillespie, Index Hotels
He listens to his clients and makes recommendations that are practical, useful and to the point.
Thea Aboud, Safrea
We have worked with David on several projects, and could always depend on him for quality input and critical thinking.
Matt Kruger
Tired Old Man, Kruger National Park
It's the small things
Most of what I do for clients is never noticed, and that's rather the point.
I'm forever thinking about the little things. The detail nobody asked about, the problem that hasn't happened yet, the step that saves a headache next year. I'll always go the extra mile quietly, and most clients only notice when something that could have been a hassle simply isn't.
Years in the investment banking IT industry taught me to look further ahead than today's to do list. What happens when the person who knows the passwords leaves, a domain is about to expire or the business changes hands?
I plan for those moments long before they arrive, so when they do, there's no panic. Just a quick fix, and we get on with our days.
Away from my desk
I took an interest in cameras long before my parents could teach me to understand the cost of film and processing. Since then, photography has been listed high up on my long list of hobbies and interests.
Most of my working days are now spent on websites, but I have a photography studio at home and still do bits of wildlife, sport and product work.
Apart from those on my client portfolio page, all photos on this website were taken by me, at some stage of this exciting life. You can see more of my work at www.davidpapenfus.com.
I've found that my photographer's eye has become very useful in my web design work. Knowing what to leave out of the frame matters just as much on a home page.
When I'm not at a screen or behind a camera, I'm happiest outdoors. I've climbed Africa's mountain, dived its oceans, sipped its finest wines and cycled its length. I've visited over 40 countries in six continents. If you ever visit Stellenbosch, you might find me cycling or walking in the mountains.
Sunset at Klipheuwel, South Africa
Let's talk
If you're thinking about a new website, or need someone to look after the one you have, I'd be glad to hear from you. A conversation costs nothing, and you'll be talking to the person who will actually do the work.