Oprah to close SA Girls’ Academy in 2027, scholarships to expand reach

The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has welcomed the next chapter of the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls (OWLAG) following the announcement that the prestigious school will transition to a national scholarship programme, while its campus will be transferred to the department after the 2027 academic year. Gauteng education, sport, arts, culture and recreation MEC Lebogang Maile said the move marked the evolution of one of South Africa’s most significant educational partnerships, while ensuring the academy’s legacy continues to benefit future generations. Oprah Winfrey praised for transforming lives The academy, which opened in 2007, has educated more than 1 000 academically gifted girls from disadvantaged communities over nearly two decades.

Maile thanked Oprah Winfrey for what he described as her long-standing commitment to educating and empowering young women in South Africa. “We express our profound gratitude to Ms Oprah Winfrey for her extraordinary vision, generosity and unwavering commitment to the education of South Africa’s young women,” he said. “Through this Academy, she has not merely built a school; she has nurtured leaders, expanded opportunities, restored hope and transformed lives.

The impact of this investment will continue to resonate across generations and across our nation.” The MEC said the academy had demonstrated what could be achieved through sustained investment in girls’ education and leadership development. He added that empowering young women was essential to South Africa’s broader social and economic development. “The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls has embodied that mission for nearly two decades.

Through deliberate investment in the education and holistic development of young women, the academy has demonstrated that empowering the girl child is neither an act of charity nor symbolism – it is a strategic investment in national development.” Scholarship programme to expand opportunities According to the department, the academy’s transition to an expanded national scholarship programme will allow academically talented young women from more communities across South Africa to benefit from the initiative. “The Academy’s transition to an expanded national scholarship programme reflects a bold and inspiring continuation of that vision. By extending educational opportunities to academically talented young wome…

Former talk show host Oprah Winfrey has confirmed that her South African girls’ academy will close in 2027, ending nearly two decades of operations. The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls, located in Henley-on-Klip, Gauteng, was officially opened in January 2007 after years of planning between Winfrey and former South African president Nelson Mandela. It has educated more than 1 000 students.

Uplifting women While the academy will be closed, Winfrey insists the mission to uplift young women will continue through scholarships and expanded support. The Gauteng Department of Education will take over the school’s operations once it closes, while Oprah’s foundation will redirect resources to fund tuition for current learners and expand opportunities for others. Gauteng MEC for Education, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Lebogang Maile, said he was grateful to the academy for its education in the Gauteng province.