Generated

Oprah Winfrey to Close South African Leadership Academy in 2027 to Expand Scholarship Program

Oprah Winfrey announced that the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa will close its doors as a boarding school at the end of the 2027 academic year. The academy, which was founded in 2007 in partnership with Nelson Mandela, will be handed over to local education authorities in the Gauteng province. While the campus will transition to local management, Oprah Winfrey will continue her educational mission by launching an expanded scholarship program. This new model is expected to double the number of girls from disadvantaged backgrounds who can access high-quality education across the country. Since its opening, the academy has produced over 1,000 graduates who have become doctors, lawyers, and engineers. Although the school faced a scandal involving a former staff member who was accused of abuse but later acquitted, the academy remains a significant legacy for Oprah Winfrey. The administration announced that current students will receive full support until graduation, ensuring a smooth transition to the next chapter of the educational project.

Sources