Oprah Winfrey Shuts Down South African Girls' School After Scandal

WHO:

BBC - Oprah Winfrey is the founder of the South African girls' school, known as the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls (OWLAG).

Reddit Conspiracy - Tiny Virginia Makopo was a dorm matron at the school who faced serious abuse allegations.

WHAT:

ABC News World - Oprah Winfrey says she will close the school for underprivileged girls she set up in South Africa at the end of next year.

BBC - Oprah Winfrey announced the closure of her South African girls' school.

Reddit Conspiracy - The school was opened in 2007.

WHERE:

BBC - The school is located in South Africa, specifically in Gauteng province.

WHY:

Reddit Conspiracy - The closure follows a scandal involving serious abuse allegations against a staff member.

HOW:

BBC - The OWLAG campus will be returned to local authorities, although its future use is not yet known. The Gauteng province's education department is committed to preserving and advancing the academy's legacy.

(UPDATED July 31, 2026 13:32 UTC)

Oprah Winfrey has announced that she will close the school for underprivileged girls she established in South Africa at the end of next year. This decision comes as she reflects on the impact and future direction of the institution. The school has been a significant part of her philanthropic efforts, providing education and support to many young women.

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(UPDATED July 31, 2026 12:36 UTC)

Oprah Winfrey has announced the closure of her South African girls' school, the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls, following serious abuse allegations against a staff member. The school, which opened in 2007 and is located in Gauteng province, will have its campus returned to local authorities, although its future use remains uncertain. The education department in Gauteng is dedicated to preserving and advancing the academy's legacy despite this significant development.