Maile thanked Oprah Winfrey for what he described as her long-standing commitment to educating and empowering young women in South Africa. The MEC said the academy had demonstrated what could be achieved through sustained investment in girls’ education and leadership development. Campus to transfer to Gauteng education departmentThe department confirmed that, in line with the original partnership agreement, ownership of the residential campus will transfer to the Gauteng Department of Education after the completion of the 2027 academic year. “The Gauteng Department of Education is committed to preserving and advancing the academy’s legacy of academic excellence, ethical leadership and educational opportunity.” The MEC concluded by thanking Winfrey for what he described as her lasting contribution to South Africa’s education sector.