Ronald Lamola Biography, Early Life, Education, Personal Life, Career, Controversies

Ronald Lamola Biography

Ronald Ozzy Lamola is a well-known South African lawyer and politician. Born on November 21, 1983, he is now 42 years old as of December 2025. He serves as the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation. This role started in July 2024. Before that, he was the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services from May 2019 to June 2024.

Lamola belongs to the African National Congress, or ANC. He has been a member of the National Assembly since May 2019. His journey from a small rural town to high government positions shows hard work and dedication to public service. Many people admire his rise in politics and his focus on justice and foreign affairs.

Ronald Lamola Early Life and Family Background

Ronald Lamola grew up in Bushbuckridge, a rural area in Mpumalanga Province. At that time, it was part of the Transvaal Province. His parents worked as farmworkers. His mother is Swati, and his father is Tsonga (or Shangaan). This mix of cultures helped shape his views on unity in South Africa.

Life in Bushbuckridge was simple and challenging. The area is near Kruger National Park and faced issues like poverty and limited services during apartheid and after. Lamola spent part of his childhood on a farm. Later, his family moved to his father’s village. This move caused some delays in school because he had to learn a new language.

At age 10, in the early 1990s, Lamola became aware of politics. He listened to radio news about peace talks that ended apartheid. This sparked his interest in change and hope for a better South Africa.

In 1996, when he was just 13, Lamola joined the ANC Youth League. This early step showed his strong commitment to the ANC and youth activism. He finished high school at Mchacka High School in 2000.

Ronald Lamola Education

Lamola worked hard in his studies. After high school, he went to the University of Venda. There, he earned an LLB degree in law by 2005. While at university, he showed leadership. He became president of the Student Representative Council. He also chaired the South African Students Congress in Limpopo Province.

In 2006, he completed practical legal training at the University of South Africa, known as UNISA. He continued learning with more qualifications:

Post-graduate certificate in corporate law from UNISA in 2008

Post-graduate certificate in banking law and financial markets

Post-graduate certificate in telecommunications policy, regulation, and management from Wits Business Enterprise

Lamola earned two master’s degrees from the University of Pretoria. The first was an LLM in corporate law, completed around 2013-2014. His research looked at rules for property syndication schemes. The second LLM, finished in 2018, focused on extractive industry law in Africa. It examined how mining and energy companies invest in communities.

These qualifications built a strong base for his work in law and government.

Ronald Lamola Career

Lamola started his professional life as a lawyer. In 2006, he joined TMN Kgomo and Associates. He later opened his own law firm.

His government roles began in Mpumalanga. In 2009, he managed at Govan Mbeki Local Municipality. From 2009 to 2011, he directed in the office for Culture, Sports, and Recreation. In 2011, he briefly acted as spokesperson for Premier David Mabuza.

Politics grew important early on. Lamola rose in the ANC Youth League. He became deputy president in 2011, working under Julius Malema. He spoke out against some leaders, including former President Jacob Zuma. In 2012, he supported Kgalema Motlanthe for ANC president.

After challenges in the Youth League, including suspensions, Lamola took time to study more. He called this period a “sabbatical.” In 2017, he backed Cyril Ramaphosa for ANC president. That year, he joined the ANC National Executive Committee, or NEC. He was the youngest member then. In 2018, he entered the National Working Committee.

In 2019, after elections, he became a Member of the National Assembly. President Ramaphosa appointed him Minister of Justice and Correctional Services. He held this until 2024.

In July 2024, after new elections and a Government of National Unity, Lamola became Minister of International Relations and Cooperation.

Ronald Lamola Controversies

Lamola has kept a clean public record with few major personal scandals. Some political debates arose early in his career. In the ANC Youth League, tensions with leaders like Julius Malema led to suspensions around 2011-2012. Critics from groups like the Economic Freedom Fighters called him a “careerist” who changed views for advantage. These were opinions, not proven facts.

As minister, he faced policy discussions. For example, in 2025, he handled issues like visa rules for Palestinians and relations with the United States. He defended South Africa’s positions on global matters, like G20 events and trade. No evidence shows personal wrongdoing. Lamola focuses on facts and constitutional duties.

Ronald Lamola Personal Life

Lamola married Bawinile “Winnie” Prudence Moratiwa Msiza on March 8, 2013. The wedding took place at Cunning Moor in Bushbuckridge. They have children and keep family life private. Lamola values time with his wife and kids.

He stays active outside work. He enjoys mountain biking and playing football. He supports the Kaizer Chiefs football team. Lamola speaks Xitsonga as his home language. He balances busy government work with simple hobbies and family.

Ronald Lamola Achievements

Lamola has many successes in law and politics.

Here are key ones in list form:

• Earned advanced law degrees, including two master’s from top universities
• Led as student president and youth league deputy
• Joined ANC’s top committees, like NEC and Working Committee, with re-elections in 2022 and 2023
• Served as Minister of Justice, working on reforms and anti-corruption
• Moved to foreign affairs minister in 2024, leading on global issues
• Represented South Africa at events like BRICS, G20 (including 2025 presidency preparations), and UN meetings
• Helped with policies on Africa unity, peace in regions like Congo, and fair global rules
• His work supports human rights, development, and South Africa’s role worldwide. Many see him as a young leader with potential.

Conclusion

Ronald Lamola’s story inspires many. From rural roots in Bushbuckridge to leading South Africa’s foreign policy, he shows what education and commitment can achieve. At 42, he brings fresh ideas to government. He focuses on justice, unity, and strong international ties.

Lamola helps build a better South Africa and a fairer world. His balanced life, with family and hobbies, reminds us that leaders are people too. As he continues in his role, many watch his future contributions.

FAQs

How old is Ronald Lamola?

He was born on November 21, 1983, so he is 42 years old in December 2025.

Who is Ronald Lamola’s wife?

His wife is Bawinile “Winnie” Prudence Moratiwa Msiza (or Bawinile Msiza). They married in 2013.

What are Ronald Lamola’s qualifications?

He has an LLB from University of Venda, practical legal training from UNISA, several post-graduate certificates, and two LLM degrees from University of Pretoria (in corporate law and extractive industry law in Africa).

Where is Ronald Lamola from?

He is from Bushbuckridge in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa.

What is Ronald Lamola’s political party?

He is a member of the African National Congress (ANC).

What are Ronald Lamola’s notable achievements?

He served as Minister of Justice and now International Relations, joined ANC top bodies, earned advanced degrees, and leads on global diplomacy like G20.