Ronald Ozzy Lamola is one of South Africa’s most prominent young politicians and legal minds. His rise from rural Mpumalanga to senior government positions has made him a notable figure in the country’s political landscape. This comprehensive biography explores his early life, age, family background, education, career journey, net worth, and overall legacy.
Biography
Early Life and Family Background
Ronald Lamola was born on 21 November 1983 in Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga. He grew up in a modest household; both his parents were farmworkers with limited financial resources. Lamola has spoken extensively about the sacrifices made by his family—especially his older sister, who worked tirelessly to fund his university studies. He often describes himself as a “product of black tax,” highlighting the collective family effort behind his success.
Lamola comes from a large blended family, and he credits the unity and hard work within his household for shaping his disciplined, determined personality.
Education
Lamola matriculated from Mchacka High School in 2000. He pursued an LLB degree at the University of Venda, graduating in 2005, and completed his Practical Legal Training at the University of South Africa in 2006.
He continued advancing academically and earned several postgraduate certifications, including:
- Corporate Law
- Banking Law and Financial Markets
- Telecommunications Policy and Regulation
At the University of Pretoria, he completed two master’s degrees (LLM).
- LLM in Corporate Law – focused on property-syndication regulation and the overlap between financial laws.
- LLM in Extractive Law in Africa – researched corporate social investment in mining and energy sectors.
This strong academic record contributed significantly to his later legal and political achievements.
Personal Life
Ronald Lamola married Bawinile “Winnie” Msiza on 8 March 2013. Despite his demanding political career, he remains rooted in his family values and often acknowledges his upbringing as a guiding force.
As of 2025, Lamola is 41 years old.
Career Overview
Early Legal Career
Lamola began his legal career in 2006 at TMN Kgomo & Associates. He later worked in local government roles, including positions at:
- Govan Mbeki Municipality
- Mpumalanga Department of Culture, Sports and Recreation
- Office of the Mpumalanga Premier
These roles gave him exposure to public administration and governance at an early age.
Political Rise: ANCYL and ANC Structures
Lamola joined the ANC Youth League (ANCYL) at the age of 13, marking the start of his political activism. Over the years, he rose through ranks and eventually served as Deputy President of the ANCYL during the leadership of Julius Malema.
In university, he held leadership roles such as:
- SRC President (University of Venda)
- Provincial Chairperson of SASCO in Limpopo
He later ran for Parliament in 2014 but did not make the final list, leading him to briefly return to private legal practice.
National Politics and Ministerial Roles
Lamola made a strong return to the political scene in 2019 when he was elected to the National Assembly. Shortly afterwards, he was appointed Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, becoming one of the youngest ministers in South Africa.
During his tenure, he oversaw:
- National prosecutorial services
- Correctional facilities
- Justice system reforms
In July 2024, he was appointed Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, placing him at the center of South Africa’s diplomacy and global partnerships.
Lamola also serves on the ANC’s National Executive Committee and National Working Committee.
Controversies and Criticisms
Compared to many political figures, Lamola has maintained a relatively clean public image. However, certain criticisms and controversies have surfaced, including:
- Speculation about past associations with legal firms that allegedly benefited from irregular state payments.
- Public criticism during his justice ministry tenure regarding the slow pace of justice system reforms or parole decisions.
Despite these criticisms, no major verified scandals or legal findings have been officially linked to him. Most controversies remain in the realm of public debate rather than formal investigation.
Net Worth and Financial Overview
Estimating the net worth of politicians in South Africa is difficult due to the lack of public declarations. However, based on available assessments from various public sources:
- Estimated net worth: around USD 1.5 million, though some sources place it between USD 3 million and USD 10 million.
These estimates likely consider:
- His professional income as a lawyer
- Earnings from private practice
- Salary and benefits as a cabinet minister
Lamola’s background indicates that he did not come from wealth; his rise was built through education and professional advancement.
Legacy and Significance
Ronald Lamola’s life story is often highlighted as an example of determination and empowerment for young South Africans. His combination of academic strength, youthful leadership, and rising political influence places him among the most promising modern leaders in the country.
His legacy so far includes:
- Serving as one of the youngest ministers in post-apartheid South Africa
- Advocating for justice reform and governance improvement
- Representing a younger generation within the national leadership
If his current trajectory continues, he may become an influential figure in shaping South Africa’s future political landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How old is Ronald Lamola?
He was born on 21 November 1983, making him 41 years old as of 2025.
2. What is Ronald Lamola’s current position?
He serves as the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation.
3. What roles has he held in the past?
Lamola previously served as Minister of Justice and Correctional Services from 2019 to 2024.
4. What is his educational background?
He holds an LLB, several postgraduate certificates, and two master’s degrees (LLM) in corporate law and extractive law.
5. Who is Ronald Lamola married to?
He is married to Bawinile “Winnie” Msiza.
6. What is his estimated net worth?
Estimates vary widely, generally between USD 1.5 million and USD 10 million.
7. Where was Ronald Lamola born?
He was born in Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga, South Africa.
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.
