Online Reporter
Sifelani Tsiko
Fact Check Editor
AN 18-year-old Zimbabwean student, Shalom Makumbirofa, has scaled new heights by earning a place in ShakthiSAT, an international student-led space mission bringing together young innovators from 108 countries.
The A-level student from St Augustine’s High School in Penhalonga near Mutare won the rigorous Zimbabwe National Geospatial and Space Agency selection exam for Mission ShakthiSAT.
She is representing Zimbabwe at this international all – girls space programme, which is being hosted by Space Kidz India in New Delhi, from August 23 to 31, 2026.
Shalom joins 12 000 other students in a development that showcases Zimbabwe’s growing passion for space science and satellite technology under Education 5.0 – a heritage-based strategic model that adds innovation and industrialisation to the traditional three missions of teaching, research, and community service.
Zimbabwe is pushing to nurture the next generation of scientists and engineers, and Shalom’s case shows how the country is harnessing talent from every corner of the country to shine on the global stage.
Priscilla Tagutanazvo, a space engineering technician at ZINGSA, said her achievement is a testament to perseverance, curiosity and how Zimbabwe is expanding opportunities for young girls to take up space exploration.
“Her journey is bigger than her own achievement. She carries the hopes, dreams and potential of Zimbabwe’s young generation, especially the girl child, onto an international stage,” she said.
“Through Mission ShakthiSAT, she is showing that a Zimbabwean girl can learn, build and contribute to a lunar mission alongside girls from 108 other countries.
“As her mentor and Ambassador, I am proud to walk this journey with her and to see Zimbabwe represented in the global space community.”
Shalom is currently studying mathematics, physics and chemistry as her core subjects.
She has excelled significantly in every subject, especially Physics, where she earned the highest marks at her school.
At O’ Level, she achieved 11 A’s, including straight A’s in both science subjects.
Shalom has taken part in various competitions, and at the World Robot Olympiad 2025, she led a team of three to win gold at the Manicaland Provincial competition.
Following these achievements, she started her new school club with the help of her mentor, called the Young Astronomers Society, where younger students have an opportunity to acquire skills in both robotics and space engineering before tertiary level.
Mission ShakthiSAT is an ambitious international initiative led by Space Kidz India, aimed at empowering 12 000 girls from 108 countries to participate in the development and launch of a satellite.
The programme seeks to empower young women through space science, technology, engineering and innovation, providing practical training in satellite design, development, testing and related technologies.
It also promotes STEM education by giving young girls the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in building a satellite destined for lunar orbit.
Mission ShakthiSAT further seeks to increase the participation of women in the space sector by providing them with practical knowledge, technical skills and opportunities for international collaboration in satellite technology and related disciplines.
Zimbabwe, through the Zimbabwe National Geospatial and Space Agency (ZINGSA), successfully participated in the Mission ShakthiSAT selection process and identified a student representative to participate in the programme in India.
