Ronald Ozzy Lamola is a prominent South African lawyer and politician who has risen through the ranks of the African National Congress (ANC) to occupy some of the highest offices in government. As of 2024, he serves as the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, and previously served as the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services. This post takes a deep dive into his life from humble beginnings, through his education, political journey, public service, to questions about his net worth and legacy.
Biography
Early Life and Background
Ronald Lamola was born on 21 November 1983 in Bushbuckridge, a rural town in what was then South Africa’s Transvaal Province (now Mpumalanga Province). His family background was modest: his parents were farmworkers, and the family faced economic hardship.
Despite these challenges, education became a path forward, his older sister reportedly used her salary to support his early schooling. Lamola matriculated from Mchacka High School in 2000.
Education and Legal Training
Pursuing a career in law, Lamola attended the University of Venda, where he earned his LLB degree in 2005. During his student years, he was active in student politics, serving as President of the Student Representative Council (SRC) and as Chairperson of the South African Students Congress (SASCO) in Limpopo.
In 2006, he completed Practical Legal Training at University of South Africa (UNISA). Beyond that, Lamola earned multiple postgraduate credentials: a postgraduate certificate in corporate law, banking law & financial markets; an LLM in corporate law from the University of Pretoria; and a second master’s (LLM) in extractive law in Africa from the same university. He additionally holds a postgraduate certificate in telecommunications policy, regulation, and management from Wits Business Enterprise.
In interviews, Lamola has called himself “a product of black tax,” reflecting that his sister’s support and his family’s sacrifices helped him pursue higher education despite their limited means.
Personal Life
Ronald Lamola is married to Bawinile “Winnie” Msiza. The couple wed on 8 March 2013 in Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga.
He is of mixed heritage: his mother is Swati, and his father is Tsonga. Outside politics, Lamola is an avid mountain biker and a supporter of the South African football team, Kaizer Chiefs.
As of 2025, Ronald Lamola is about 41–42 years old, given his 1983 birth year.
Career Overview
Early Legal and Municipal Roles
Lamola began his professional career in law in 2006 at the law firm TMN Kgomo and Associates. By 2009, he was managing operations at the municipal level as the Transversal Unit Manager at the Govan Mbeki Local Municipality.
Later that same year, he became Director in the Office of the MEC for Culture, Sports and Recreation in Mpumalanga, a post he held from 2009 until around 2011. In 2011, he briefly assumed the role of acting spokesperson for the then‑Premier of Mpumalanga, David Mabuza.
Entry into Youth Politics
Lamola’s political journey began early: he joined the youth wing of his party, the ANC Youth League (ANCYL), in 1996 as a teenager. In the ANCYL, he rose to prominence and eventually served as Deputy President of the Youth League from June 2011 until April 2012, during the presidency of Julius Malema.
During this period, Lamola was seen as a rising star, possibly even poised to take over the Youth League presidency, had certain internal developments gone differently.
National Politics and Rise to Cabinet
After some time away from the limelight, during which he managed his own law firm, Lamola re-emerged in national politics. Following the 2019 general elections, he was elected as a Member of the National Assembly of South Africa.
Shortly thereafter, on 29 May 2019, President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed him Minister of Justice and Correctional Services. He officially assumed the post the next day. Over the next five years he served in that key legal portfolio, overseeing justice administration and correctional services for the country.
In December 2022, he was re‑elected to the ANC’s highest decision‑making body, the ANC National Executive Committee (NEC); and in January 2023, he was appointed to the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), further cementing his influence within the party.
Then, on 3 July 2024, Lamola was sworn in as Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, becoming South Africa’s foreign minister.
Controversies and Criticisms
As with many public figures, Lamola has faced scrutiny and controversy. Some online sources report that during his time as Minister of Justice, a law firm affiliated with him allegedly “received a portion of R300 million irregularly paid by RAF” (Road Accident Fund).
Critics have used such claims to question whether there was a conflict of interest between his public office and private affiliations. However, these allegations come mainly from informal sources and there appears to be no widely cited official verdict confirming wrongdoing. As such, while these controversies have contributed to public discourse around Lamola’s integrity and wealth, they remain largely speculative.
Because of the lack of authoritative evidence, many formal biographies of Lamola do not list major scandals under his name; instead, they focus on his achievements and career trajectory.
Net Worth and Financial Overview
Estimating the net worth of politicians in South Africa is often uncertain. For Lamola, available estimates vary widely:
- One source estimates his net worth at roughly US$1.45 million (as of 2025).
- Various online biographies claim a range between US$3 million and US$15.55 million.
- Other older estimates are more conservative, putting his net worth at around US$500,000.
Such a wide spread reflects differences in methodology, some sources factor in assets or projected future earnings; others rely only on declared income. Given his long career in law, municipal work, private practice, and high-level political offices, it’s plausible that his wealth is toward the higher end, though any figure remains speculative.
Legacy and Significance
Ronald Lamola’s rise from a rural farm childhood to one of the most senior portfolios in South African government embodies a narrative of social mobility, educational achievement, and political ambition.
As a young minister appointed to lead justice and correctional services, Lamola represented a new generation of leadership in the ANC younger, educated, and legally trained. His appointment at a relatively young age underscored the party’s attempt to bring fresh faces to important national roles.
In taking over foreign affairs in 2024, Lamola inherited a complex geopolitical environment at a time when global realignments, tensions, and development challenges call for assertive diplomacy. His performance in this role will likely shape how he’s judged historically.
Moreover, his educational journey especially the fact that his sister helped pay for his schooling is frequently invoked as an inspirational example for young South Africans from underprivileged backgrounds. Lamola himself has spoken about being “a product of black tax,” highlighting familial sacrifice as part of his success story.
If he continues to maintain a blend of legal acumen, political influence, and public commitment, his legacy could be that of a bridge between youth activism, legal specialization, and statesmanship.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How old is Ronald Lamola?
Ronald Lamola was born on 21 November 1983, so as of 2025 he is about 41–42 years old.
What positions does Ronald Lamola currently hold?
Since 3 July 2024, he serves as South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation. Prior to that, from May 2019 to June 2024, he was the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services.
What is Ronald Lamola’s educational background?
Lamola holds an LLB from the University of Venda (2005), practical legal training from UNISA (2006), postgraduate certificates in corporate law, banking law and financial markets, and telecommunications regulation. He also earned two LLM master’s degrees from the University of Pretoria, one in corporate law and another in extractive law in Africa.
What is Ronald Lamola’s estimated net worth?
Estimates vary significantly. Some sources place it around US$1.45 million (2025), while others suggest a range between US$3 million and over US$15 million. Older or conservative estimates list about US$500,000.
Did Ronald Lamola face any controversies?
There have been allegations that a law firm linked to him received part of a large payment irregularly processed by the Road Accident Fund (RAF). However, these claims remain unverified and come mostly from informal sources.
Where does Ronald Lamola come from? What is his background?
He originates from Bushbuckridge in Mpumalanga, rural South Africa, born to farmworker parents. His upbringing was modest, and he benefitted from family sacrifice especially his sister who helped fund his schooling.
Why is Ronald Lamola considered significant in South African politics?
Lamola’s journey from youth politics to high-level government roles, represents a generational shift. His legal education, early activism, and successive ministerial roles suggest he could play a long-term role in shaping South Africa’s justice and foreign policy.
Conclusion
Ronald Lamola’s trajectory from a farm in rural Mpumalanga to the halls of national power is a compelling narrative of ambition, education, and political engagement. His background as a lawyer, combined with strong academic credentials and early involvement in youth politics, provided a solid foundation for rising through the ranks of the ANC.
While estimates of his net worth vary, his path reflects both personal resilience and the complexities politicians face in balancing public office, private affiliations, and public scrutiny. As Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Lamola stands at a pivotal moment: with global challenges mounting, his performance could define not just his legacy but also South Africa’s standing on the world stage.
Disclaimer: This biography is compiled from publicly available information and is meant solely for informational purposes. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, certain details may vary or be open to interpretation.
