Thursday July 30, 2026- Media entrepreneur and philanthropist Oprah Winfrey has announced that her Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa will close at the end of 2027, bringing to a close nearly two decades of operation.
Winfrey said the decision marks a transition rather than an end to her commitment to girls' education. The academy's campus will be transferred to the Gauteng provincial government, while current students will continue receiving full educational support through graduation.
Instead of operating a single boarding school, Winfrey plans to expand her impact through a nationwide scholarship program that will support more academically gifted girls from disadvantaged backgrounds across South Africa. She said the new approach will allow the initiative to reach significantly more students while continuing its mission of empowering young women through quality education.
The announcement has sparked widespread reflection on the academy's legacy and its contribution to educational opportunities for young women. As the transition moves forward, education officials and supporters will be watching closely to ensure students experience a smooth handover while the expanded scholarship program opens new opportunities for future generations.
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