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Oprah Girls' Academy to Close 2027, Launch National Scholarship Program

7/31/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls will close after the 2027 academic year, handing its campus to Gauteng authorities.
Oprah Winfrey, 72, said the school will become a national scholarship programme for talented South African girls.
Gauteng Education Minister Lebogang Maile said the 281 current students will finish with uninterrupted financial aid.
A foundation PR consultant denied mismanagement rumors and noted more than 1,000 alumni have graduated since 2007.

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Story summary

The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls will close after the 2027 academic year, handing its campus to Gauteng authorities.
Oprah Winfrey, 72, said the school will become a national scholarship programme for talented South African girls.
Gauteng Education Minister Lebogang Maile said the 281 current students will finish with uninterrupted financial aid.
A foundation PR consultant denied mismanagement rumors and noted more than 1,000 alumni have graduated since 2007.