The Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Lebogang Maile, has welcomed the announcement by Oprah Winfrey on the next chapter of the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls (OWLAG), describing it as the evolution of one of South Africa’s most influential educational partnerships.

After nearly two decades of educating academically gifted girls from disadvantaged communities, the academy will transition to an expanded national scholarship programme.

The Henley-on-Klip residential campus will be transferred to the Gauteng Department of Education after the 2027 academic year, in line with the original partnership agreement.

Since opening in 2007, the academy has educated more than 1 000 learners, providing an environment focused on academic excellence, leadership, integrity, compassion and purpose.

Maile praised Winfrey’s contribution to education, saying her investment has transformed lives and created opportunities for young women across South Africa.

“We express our profound gratitude to Oprah Winfrey for her extraordinary vision, generosity and unwavering commitment to the education of South Africa’s young women. Through this academy, she 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,” said Maile.

He said the academy’s legacy demonstrates that empowering girls through education is essential to building a stronger society.

Quoting the late African revolutionary Thomas Sankara, Maile said: “There is no true social revolution without the liberation of women.”

He also referenced Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, saying society has a responsibility to encourage girls to dream boldly, think independently and lead confidently rather than limiting their ambitions.

According to Maile, OWLAG has shown that investing in girls’ education is not an act of charity but a strategic investment in South Africa’s future.

“The academy has demonstrated that when society removes barriers to opportunity and invests intentionally in girls, the benefits extend far beyond the individual learner. Educated young women strengthen families, uplift communities, grow the economy and inspire future generations,” he said.

Maile said the transition to a national scholarship programme will allow academically talented young women from across the country to benefit from Winfrey’s continued commitment to education.

Administrative processes relating to the transfer of the campus are under way to ensure a smooth and responsible handover of the academy’s facilities to the Gauteng Department of Education.

He said the department is committed to preserving the academy’s legacy of academic excellence, ethical leadership and educational opportunity while ensuring the institution continues to serve the people of Gauteng.

Maile also welcomed the assurance that all current learners will complete their education at the academy with uninterrupted academic, financial and personal support.

“As we prepare for this important transition, we once again extend our deepest appreciation to Oprah Winfrey for demonstrating that investing in the education of girls is among the most transformative acts a society can undertake. Her legacy reminds us that when we educate and empower a girl, we strengthen families, transform communities and help build a more inclusive and prosperous South Africa,” he said.