The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls will close its doors after the 2027 academic year, bringing to an end nearly two decades of educating academically gifted girls from disadvantaged communities.
The academy’s closure follows Oprah Winfrey’s decision to transition her investment in girls’ education to a national scholarship programme that will support talented young women across South Africa. Under the original partnership agreement, the academy’s residential campus will be transferred to the Gauteng Department of Education.
Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation Lebogang Maile said the academy had transformed the lives of more than 1,000 learners since opening in 2007.
“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,” Maile said.
He described the transition as “a bold and inspiring continuation” of Winfrey’s vision, saying the scholarship programme would extend educational opportunities to more young women while preserving the academy’s legacy.
