After almost two decades of changing the lives of young South African women, the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls (OWLAG) in Gauteng will close its doors at the end of the 2027 academic year.
The announcement has left many South Africans feeling both surprised and nostalgic. Since opening in 2007, the academy has become one of the country’s most recognised schools, giving academically talented girls from disadvantaged backgrounds access to world-class education and opportunities that many families could only dream of.
But while the school’s closure marks the end of an era, Oprah Winfrey says her commitment to educating South African girls is far from over.
Instead of continuing with a single boarding school, she plans to launch a scholarship programme that will allow talented learners to attend leading schools across South Africa. The new approach is expected to reach significantly more girls than the academy could accommodate on one campus.
The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy was founded after discussions between Oprah Winfrey and former President Nelson Mandela, who shared a vision of using education to create lasting change in South Africa. Built in Henley-on-Klip, south of Johannesburg, the academy welcomed its first group of learners in January 2007 and quickly earned a reputation for academic excellence, leadership development and personal growth.
Over the past 20 years, hundreds of graduates have gone on to study at universities in South Africa and around the world, with many pursuing careers in medicine, engineering, law, business and science. For countless South Africans, the school became more than just an educational institution – it became a symbol of hope, proving that talent can flourish when young people are given the right support.
Speaking about the decision, Oprah said the academy has fulfilled the purpose it was created for, but she believes it is now time to expand that vision. By funding scholarships at various schools, she hopes to give many more girls access to quality education without limiting opportunities to those who can attend one residential campus.
The transition has also been carefully planned to ensure that no current learner is disadvantaged. Every girl currently enrolled at the academy will continue to receive financial support until she completes her schooling. If any learner needs to finish her education at another institution after the academy closes, Oprah Winfrey has committed to covering those costs as well.
Once the final class graduates, ownership of the campus will be transferred to the Gauteng Department of Education, in line with the original agreement made when the school was established.
The announcement has sparked widespread discussion across South Africa. Many people have expressed sadness at seeing such a well-known institution come to an end, particularly one that has helped shape the lives of so many young women. Others believe the new scholarship model could have an even greater impact, allowing talented girls from different provinces and communities to benefit from the same opportunities without having to relocate to Gauteng.
Education remains one of South Africa’s biggest challenges, with many learners still facing barriers such as overcrowded classrooms, limited resources and unequal access to quality schools. Against this backdrop, the move towards a nationwide scholarship programme could open doors for more young women who have the ability to succeed but lack the financial means to do so.
Although the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls will soon become part of South Africa’s educational history, its legacy is likely to continue through the lives of its graduates and the thousands of girls who may benefit from the next chapter of Oprah Winfrey’s investment in education. For many South Africans, the school will always be remembered as a place where ambition, hard work and opportunity came together to change lives.
