Young Iviwe has made the most of her primary school education at African Angels, applying herself to every task, test and assessment to secure a coveted spot at the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls.
Eastern Cape, South Africa (12 January 2026) – Sometimes, all a young person needs to step into a future far brighter than their circumstances is someone willing to back them and guide them. This sentiment holds true for African Angel School’s 2025 Grade 7 learner, Iviwe, who is starting her high school career with a life-changing acceptance into the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls!
Throughout her primary school education, Iviwe has been sponsored by NVest Financial Holdings and its subsidiary companies, whose support has played an important role in enabling her educational journey.
Her educators describe her as a quiet, diligent, and resilient student who has made the most of the quality education offered at African Angels School in Chintsa East.
African Angels was established to provide children in the local area with access to an affordable, high-quality primary education.
Over the years, the school has built strong partnerships with parents and caregivers and has worked collaboratively with local residents to deliver a number of community service projects, including the installation of 166 streetlights and the establishment of a community WiFi hub.
“Iviwe’s quiet determination and consistent effort have resulted in excellent academic outcomes across her primary school career,” the Chair of the African Angels Trust, Lou Billett tells us.
She completed her time at African Angels as the first recipient of the Nontobeko Mannie Mdingi Award for Resilience. And in 2026, Iviwe became the eighth African Angels learner to be accepted into the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls, marking a significant milestone for both herself and the school and reflecting the long-term impact of sustained support, quality teaching, and resilience.
“Iviwe’s hard work, resilience, and bright spirit have opened this incredible door, and we know she will continue to shine,” Billett proudly says.
Shine bright, Iviwe, you’ve done incredibly well so far, and we don’t doubt you’ll achieve even more great things!
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