By Zuko Komisa

The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls (OWLAG) is set to be handed over to the Gauteng Department of Education following the conclusion of the 2027 academic year.
The school was originally founded in 2007 after discussions between Oprah Winfrey and Nelson Mandela regarding the transformative power of educating young women. Since its inception, more than 1,000 students have passed through its doors.
The handover marks a deliberate shift in strategy rather than a step back, as Oprah moves to focus on a nationwide scholarship scheme intended to reach double the number of students.
Reflecting on the evolution of her initiative, Winfrey stated:
“The dream was never simply to build a school. It was to invest in the limitless potential of young women. That mission doesn’t end with one campus. It continues in every girl whose future can be transformed through education.”
OWLAG’s high support, resource rich model stood in stark contrast to standard state schooling.
Drive 959 recently asked, If you had the chance to redesign your own child’s school, what one thing would you change?
Listen to the full conversation here:
READ NEXT: LISTEN: Slow justice system puts children at risk as protection register fails to keep up