Nationwide Education Access
Oprah Winfrey's SA Academy Transitions to Nationwide Scholarship Model, Doubling Student Support
Key Points
Since OWLAG opened in 2007, it has educated more than 1,000 young women, and a 2024 study found 99% of alumnae proceeded to higher education, with the Class of 2025 achieving a 100% Bachelor Degree pass rate under the IEB curriculum.
Current students will continue to receive uninterrupted financial and academic support, including placement at other top-tier schools if they cannot complete their studies at OWLAG.
The campus will be handed back to the Gauteng Department of Education under the original partnership, and the program will expand into a nationwide scholarship model that is expected to double the number of girls supported across South Africa.
OWLAG's history includes public controversies, notably the 2007 arrest of matron Virginia Tiny Makopo on charges related to abuse of students, an incident that prompted Oprah Winfrey to travel to South Africa to address concerns.
Alumni achievements illustrate impact: 2012 graduate Andronica is now a senior engineering figure at Meta, and other graduates such as Kirsten have risen to CEO roles, highlighting long-term leadership outcomes from OWLAG.
Oprah Winfrey has confirmed that her Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls (OWLAG) in Henley-on-Klip, Gauteng, will close its residential boarding campus at the end of 2027, according to Joburg Etc. The buildings and grounds will be handed back to the Gauteng Department of Education, fulfilling the terms of the original partnership. In its place, Winfrey will expand a nationwide scholarship program expected to double the number of girls supported across South Africa.
Since opening in 2007, OWLAG has educated more than 1,000 young women. A 2024 study found that 99% of alumnae went on to higher education, and the Class of 2025 achieved a 100% Bachelor Degree pass rate under the IEB curriculum, according to Inbound SA.
Scholarship Model Set to Reach More Girls Nationwide
Rather than focusing resources on a single campus, the new model will fund scholarships for talented, disadvantaged girls to attend leading schools across South Africa. African Insider reports the shift is designed to broaden access well beyond what one boarding school can offer. The program is expected to double its reach once fully rolled out.
Current students will not be left behind. According to Joburg Etc, every enrolled student will receive continued financial and academic support through graduation. If a student cannot finish her studies at OWLAG, she will be placed at another top-tier school with full funding intact.
Campus Returns to Government Under Original Agreement
The handover of OWLAG's campus to the Gauteng Department of Education was always part of the plan. Inbound SA notes the transition follows the terms of the original partnership signed when the school opened. The department is expected to keep operating the site as a school once the transfer is complete.
The boarding model will end after the 2027 academic year. Film News reports that Winfrey is moving away from the residential format after 20 years, shifting her foundation's energy toward a wider, more flexible support structure.
Alumnae Now Lead at Meta, Run Companies as CEOs
The academy's graduates have reached senior roles across business and technology. One 2012 graduate, Andronica, is now a senior engineering figure at Meta. Another alumna, Kirsten, has risen to a CEO role, according to Joburg Etc. These outcomes highlight the long-term leadership impact of the program.
Supporters point to these results as proof that the model worked. With 99% of graduates entering higher education, backers argue the scholarship expansion will carry that legacy forward — reaching girls who never had access to OWLAG's single campus.
A History Marked by Early Scandal and Resilience
OWLAG's 20-year run has not been without controversy. In 2007 — the same year the school opened — matron Virginia Tiny Makopo was arrested on charges related to abuse of students. The incident prompted Winfrey to fly to South Africa herself to address concerns directly, according to Teeveetee.
Despite the early turmoil, the school recovered and built a strong record. The closure is being framed not as a failure, but as a strategic evolution. Winfrey's foundation says the goal now is to serve more girls, in more places, with the same standard of support.
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