The Gauteng Department of Education has welcomed the announcement by Oprah Winfrey on the next chapter of the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls (OWLAG), describing the transition as the continuation of one of South Africa’s most influential educational partnerships.
Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Lebogang Maile, said the Academy has transformed the lives of more than 1,000 academically gifted girls from disadvantaged communities since opening its doors in 2007.
“For nearly two decades, the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls has stood as a powerful testament to what can be achieved when society deliberately invests in the education and leadership development of young women,” said Maile.
The MEC expressed gratitude to Oprah Winfrey for her long-standing commitment to empowering young women through education, saying her contribution has created opportunities, restored hope and nurtured future leaders.
“Ms Oprah Winfrey has not merely built a school, she has nurtured leaders, expanded opportunities, restored hope and transformed lives. The impact of this investment will continue to resonate across generations and across our nation,” he said.
As part of the Academy’s next phase, the residential campus will be transferred to the Gauteng Department of Education after the completion of the 2027 academic year, in line with the original partnership agreement. The Department said administrative processes are already underway to ensure a smooth and responsible transfer of the Academy’s assets and facilities.
Maile said the Department remains committed to preserving the institution’s legacy of academic excellence, ethical leadership and educational opportunity.
“The Gauteng Department of Education is committed to preserving and advancing the Academy’s legacy of academic excellence, ethical leadership and educational opportunity. We will ensure that this exceptional institution continues to serve the people of Gauteng while honouring the vision upon which it was established,” he said.
The Department also welcomed assurances that all learners currently enrolled at the Academy will complete their education without disruption, with continued academic, financial and personal support.
Maile concluded by paying tribute to Oprah Winfrey’s lasting contribution to education in South Africa.
“Her extraordinary legacy reminds us that when we educate and empower a girl, we do more than change one life; we unlock human potential, strengthen families, transform communities and help build the capable, inclusive and prosperous South Africa to which we all aspire,” he said.
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