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Back In South Africa: Same Place, Sadder Circumstances
I am back in South Africa for the second time this year. The story that brought me here is a disturbing one. A dorm matron at Oprah Winfrey's Leadership Academy for Girls in Johannesburg has been arrested on multiple charges of alleged abuse. The allegations are that 27-year-old woman, Tiny Makopo, sexually abused one girl and physically abused several others. There are a total of 7 alleged victims - six girls and one adult.
Oprah released a special statement to me today that said, "This has been a huge blow. But you learn from your mistakes. I would very much like to look Tiny in the eye, like any parent would and ask why and how could you do this?"
As soon as Oprah found out about the abuse, she flew in with a team of investigators and they interviewed the staff and the girls. They then turned over that information to the South African police authority who, after conducting their own investigation, issued a warrant for Makopo's arrest. Makopo then turned herself in the police and is currently being held in a police cell.
She has also cleaned house at the school - relieving all the dorm matrons. It is believed that others knew what was going on and turned a blind eye.
Oprah says, in addition to the pain she feels for the girls, she has been devastated by this herself, because she, too, is a victim of sexual abuse. She called a meeting of the parents and students and told them how sorry she was that she let them down and vowed that she will do all she can to help them heal. Oprah has flown in a trauma specialist to help the girls deal with this horrible ordeal. The parents have expressed continued confidence in the talk show host and truly believe that she has made a positive difference in these children's lives.
Today, I journeyed to Soweto to speak with a woman who has a daughter and granddaughter at the school. I'll have more on her next time.
Hi Shawn
I really like to read your notes . You are a remarkable woman . I enjoyed your blog on the south african driver you had.
I 'm a huge fan of Oprah and was saddened by the news of the abuse in her school . I think Oprah is doing everything right in a case like this. My hope is that these girls heal and have great lives.
You are doing a great job !!!!
I enjoy AH !!!!