Amanze Chinonye
Oprah Winfrey’s decision to close the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls (OWLAG) in South Africa after the 2027 academic year is part of a broader plan to expand her education initiative beyond a single boarding school.
Rather than continuing to operate the residential academy, Winfrey will transition to an expanded scholarship programme aimed at supporting more academically talented girls from disadvantaged communities across South Africa. Representatives of the initiative said the new model is expected to double the number of girls benefiting from the programme.
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Located in Meyerton, Gauteng Province, OWLAG opened in 2007 following Winfrey’s commitment to improving educational opportunities for underprivileged girls after her meeting with the late former South African President Nelson Mandela.
Built with an investment reportedly worth about $40 million, the academy was established as a world-class institution focused on academic excellence, leadership development and personal growth. Since opening, it has educated more than 1,000 girls, many of whom have gone on to pursue higher education and professional careers.
The school currently has about 281 students enrolled, according to reports.
Under the transition plan, current students will continue to receive full support. The academy will graduate its final two classes before operations end, while students who remain enrolled beyond that period will be transferred to leading schools in South Africa, with their tuition fully funded through Winfrey’s education initiative until graduation.
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The Gauteng Department of Education will take over management of the campus and continue operating it as a school, ensuring the facility remains dedicated to education.
Over the years, OWLAG has become one of Winfrey’s most notable philanthropic projects, with many graduates describing the academy as a life-changing opportunity that also transformed the prospects of their families and communities.
Despite facing challenges in its early years, including a widely reported staff misconduct case, the academy went on to become a symbol of Winfrey’s commitment to using education as a tool for social empowerment. She has previously described the institution as one of her greatest legacies.
The planned closure marks the end of Winfrey’s direct involvement in running the academy, but the expansion of her scholarship programme signals a shift towards reaching more young women across South Africa through broader educational support.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
