Media mogul and philanthropist Oprah Winfrey has announced that the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls (OWLAG) in South Africa will close at the end of the 2027 academic year, bringing to a close one of her most ambitious educational initiatives after nearly 20 years. Rather than ending her commitment to education, Winfrey says the academy will transition into a broader scholarship program designed to reach even more young women across the country.
Founded in 2007 in Gauteng Province following discussions with the late Nelson Mandela, the academy was established to provide world-class education and leadership opportunities to academically gifted girls from disadvantaged backgrounds. Over the years, the school has become one of South Africa’s most respected educational institutions, producing more than 1,000 graduates, the vast majority of whom have gone on to pursue higher education.
Winfrey explained that the decision reflects an evolution of the academy’s mission rather than its conclusion. Instead of operating a single residential campus, she plans to expand her educational impact through an enhanced scholarship initiative that will support twice as many South African girls by helping them attend leading schools across the country. Current students will be allowed to complete their education, while those still enrolled after the campus closes will have their studies fully funded elsewhere.
As part of the transition, ownership of the academy’s campus will be transferred to the Gauteng Department of Education, in line with the original partnership agreement established when the school was founded. Winfrey emphasized that while the physical school will close, her long-term commitment to empowering young women through education remains unchanged.
Reflecting on the academy’s legacy, Winfrey described it as one of the proudest achievements of her life, noting that its true success lies not in its buildings but in the lives transformed through education. Since opening its doors, the institution has helped shape generations of young leaders, many of whom have gone on to successful careers while giving back to their communities.
The announcement has prompted tributes from educators, alumni, and public figures who praised the academy’s impact on girls’ education in South Africa. While many expressed sadness over the end of the residential campus, others welcomed the shift toward a scholarship model that could extend opportunities to a much larger number of students nationwide.
Although the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls will conclude its operations in 2027, Winfrey insists that its mission is far from over. Through an expanded scholarship program and continued investment in education, she hopes to build on the academy’s legacy and ensure that many more young South African women have access to the opportunities needed to shape their futures.
