Oprah Winfrey South Africa Leadership Program
This Oprah Winfrey Scholars Program is a 12-day, all expenses paid experience in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Pilanesberg, and Cape Town, 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.
Each year, the Oprah Winfrey South Africa Leadership Program takes Oprah Winfrey scholars on an unforgettable journey to South Africa. Program activities include meetings with community leaders and university and other academic officials, faculty, and students. University visits include 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 allow 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 include the Apartheid Museum, the Hector Pieterson Museum, Mandela House, and Robben Island Prison Museum. Scholars experience Cape Town’s Iziko Slave Lodge to learn about the role of enslaved peoples in building South Africa that set the stage for Apartheid.
A day of service at the Kliptown Youth Program (KYP) and other service sites allows scholars to tutor, support classroom activities, paint community members’ homes, serve food, and play soccer with the children. Finally, scholars enjoy the natural beauty of South Africa through excursions to Pilanesberg National Park, Table Mountain, and the Cape of Good Hope.
