The Oprah Winfrey South Africa Leadership Experience is facilitated by the AYCGL’s Office of International Education and is sponsored by the Oprah Winfrey Scholars Program. The South Africa Leadership Program is a 12-day, all expenses paid experience in Cape Town and Johannesburg, South Africa. The program focuses on the history and culture of South Africa, the fight for social justice in the country, and the current political, social, and public health challenges facing the country.

In May 2024, the Oprah Winfrey South Africa Leadership Program took 9 scholars on an unforgettable journey to Johannesburg, ​Pilanesberg, and Cape Town, South Africa. A program highlight was the opportunity for students to serve as official observers of ​South Africa’s presidential election, held 30 years after the election of Nelson Mandela. Scholars observed election processes at ​multiple sites and shared feedback with election officials.

Program activities included meetings with community leaders and university and other academic officials, faculty, and students. ​University visits included the University of Pretoria, the University of the Western Cape, and the University of South Africa. Engaging ​and informative visits to the Mandela Foundation, the Desmond and Leah Tutu Foundation, and the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation ​allowed scholars to explore the lives, accomplishments, challenges, and leadership philosophies of these great leaders. Visits to ​historic sites and organizations documenting the history of Apartheid and preserving the legacy of the fight for freedom and justice ​in South Africa included the Apartheid Museum, the Hector Pieterson Museum, Mandela House, and Robben Island Prison. Scholars ​experienced Cape Town’s Iziko Slave Lodge to learn about the roles of enslaved peoples in building South Africa that set the stage for ​Apartheid.

A day of service at the Kliptown Youth Program (KYP) allowed scholars to tutor, support classroom activities, paint community ​members’ homes, serve food, and play soccer with the children. Finally, scholars appreciated the opportunity to enjoy the natural ​beauty of South Africa through excursions to Pilanesberg National Park, Table Mountain, and the Cape of Good Hope.