Luyanda Makapela
6 November 2007
American talk show host Oprah Winfrey has promised to do everything in her power to restore the well-being and dignity of the students at her leadership academy.
Winfrey addressed the media in Johannesburg via satellite from Chicago on Monday after allegations of indecent assault surfaced at the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls, which was opened south of Johannesburg earlier this year.
The briefing occurred only hours after 27-year-old Tiny Virginia Makopo, who was a dorm matron at the school, appeared at the Sebokeng Magistrate's Court.
Makopo, who was granted R3 000 bail, faces 13 charges of indecent assault, assault and criminal injuria committed against six girls aged between 13 and 15, and a 23-year-old girl. The case has been postponed to 13 December.
"There is nothing more devastating to me than these allegations of misconduct against Ms Makopo by these young girls at my school," an emotional Ms Winfrey said. "I will do everything in my power to ensure the girls' safety and wellbeing is restored."
She said her school and pupils would not be brought down by the recent controversy, despite the staff who initially decided to keep the allegations secret from her.
"No matter what these kids have endured, I will make sure that they will not be diminished by these events," Winfrey said. "The girls were brave and acted because their voices were not being heard. They used their voice and the truth has prevailed today."
At least 15 girls at the school approached the academy's chief executive officer, John Samuel, regarding their grievances in early October. Samuel said that on receiving the information, he immediately removed Makopo from the campus and notified the police's child protection unit.
He said the school had then appointed investigators from South Africa and the United States to conduct a fair and impartial inquiry into the claims. The inquiry was conducted in a manner that supported the safe and nurturing environment to the academy, with minimal disruption to campus life, he added.
On receiving the news, Winfrey flew to South Africa where she personally spoke to the girls. She said her first priority had been to know how many girls were affected and to what extend was there a problem.
On 14 October, she met with the girls and their parents and apologised, highlighting the necessary steps she would take to address the problem.
"No one can destroy my dream for the school, and I will do anything necessary to make sure that this school will be a model for the world."
In 2002, following a request from Nelson Mandela, Winfrey donated US$10-million to build the academy at Henley on Klip in Meyerton in the Vaal region.
Speaking at the time, Winfrey said: "I believe education gives young people a greater voice in their own lives and helps them to create a brighter future for their communities and themselves."
The 26-building campus, which boasts a library, gym, hostel and theatre, was built to accommodate 450 learners from grade seven to 12.
Source: BuaNews
