BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MANZINI – Eswatini’s commitment to empowering girls in STEM is now paying off as young Liswati student Tiyandza Melokuhle Ndlovu has left the country to sharpen her space science skills in India under the groundbreaking Mission ShakthiSat programme.
The Form 5 student at St Theresa High School is representing Eswatini in the international all-girls lunar orbit programme after emerging as the Kingdom’s top-ranked participant following a three-month online space science programme.
Ndlovu is in India from August 22 to 31, 2026, where she is joining young women from 108 Commonwealth and partner nations for an intensive programme focused on space science, technology, leadership and international collaboration.
Her participation will give her practical exposure to satellite integration and payload development, alongside opportunities to engage in space diplomacy and women’s leadership dialogues.
She will also take part in cultural and technical exchanges with young women from different countries, giving her an opportunity to build international networks while expanding her understanding of the global space sector.
Ndlovu is accompanied by Nokulindwa Annie Dlamini, an ICT Officer and Girls in STEM advocate who is serving as Eswatini’s Country Ambassador for Mission ShakthiSat.
The country’s participation is being made possible through a collaboration between the Ministry of Information, Communications and Technology, the Ministry of Education and Training, the High Commission of India in Mbabane and Space Kidz India.
Mission Director of Space Kidz India Dr Srimathy Kesan has been recognised for her leadership and commitment to creating opportunities for young women in space science and STEM.
For Eswatini, Ndlovu’s participation is more than an individual achievement. It reflects growing efforts to ensure that young EmaSwati, particularly girls, are equipped with skills needed to participate in emerging areas of science and technology.
The mission comes as Eswatini advances its ambitions in artificial intelligence, robotics, big data, space science and the wider digital economy.
The Kingdom is also developing a national space science policy, preparing for a domestic astronomical observatory and laying the groundwork for a future space agency.
These developments are increasing the need for skilled young people who can contribute to the country’s future space and technology ambitions.
Ndlovu’s journey to India therefore offers an opportunity for her to gain knowledge and practical experience that could prove valuable as Eswatini develops its own space science capabilities.
Her participation also sends a powerful message to girls across the Kingdom that careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics are within their reach.
As the world continues to invest in space exploration and advanced technologies, Eswatini is positioning its young people to be part of that future.
Ndlovu’s mission is consequently not only about reaching for the stars. It is about building the skills, confidence and leadership needed to ensure that EmaSwati girls have a place in the technologies shaping tomorrow.
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