Ronald Ozzy Lamola is one of South Africa’s most dynamic younger political figures. Born in 1983 in Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga, Lamola rose from student activism to national leadership roles: lawyer, ANC Youth League leader, Member of Parliament, Justice Minister (2019–2024) and — since July 2024 — Minister of International Relations and Cooperation. His rise is a study in ambition, legal training and deep involvement in the African National Congress (ANC).
Bio Data
- Full Name: Ronald Ozzy Lamola
- Born: 21 November 1983
- Age: Around 41 (as of 2025)
- Birthplace: Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga, South Africa
- Nationality: South African
- Occupation: Lawyer, politician, youth activist, legislator
- Religion: Christianity
- Parents: His parents were farmworkers.
- Siblings: At least one older sister, Constance, who helped pay for his schooling
- Spouse: Bawinile “Winnie” Msiza
- Children: 1 child (a son)
- Relationship: Married
- Net Worth: Estimated between US$3,000,000 and US$15,550,000
Early life and education
Ronald Lamola was born on 21 November 1983 in Bushbuckridge, a rural town in Mpumalanga Province. He joined the ANC Youth League at a young age and became politically active while still a student. Lamola matriculated from Mchacka High School and went on to study law at the University of Venda, completing his practical legal training at the University of South Africa (UNISA). He later completed postgraduate studies and holds master’s qualifications from the University of Pretoria, including specialisations in corporate and extractive industries law. His layered legal education helped shape both his professional law practice and his later policy work in government.
Early career and ANC Youth League
Lamola’s first professional steps were in law—he worked as an attorney and later ran his own practice. Parallel to that, he became a high-profile youth activist. Notably, he served as Deputy President of the ANC Youth League (ANCYL), a role that placed him in the spotlight and helped him build networks across the ANC. During this period he became known as an articulate advocate for youth engagement and for taking clear stances on intra-party disputes and national issues.
Transition to national politics
After years of political organization and legal work, Lamola moved into national government. He was elected to the National Assembly in May 2019 and was appointed Minister of Justice and Correctional Services by President Cyril Ramaphosa in May 2019. As Justice Minister he tackled complex legal and correctional reform issues and represented South Africa in high-profile legal and constitutional matters.
Minister of Justice and Correctional Services (2019–2024)
Lamola’s tenure as Justice Minister saw him engage with major justice-sector reforms and public debates about the rule of law. He championed integration between justice and correctional services and highlighted rehabilitation and constitutional values in public commentary. Under his leadership the department navigated high-profile prosecutions, system backlogs and policy debates on crime and rehabilitation.
Minister of International Relations and Cooperation (from July 2024)
In President Ramaphosa’s July 2024 cabinet, Lamola was appointed Minister of International Relations and Cooperation — a step that moved him from domestic justice policy to global diplomacy. As foreign minister, Lamola has been positioned to carry forward South Africa’s assertive international posture while prioritising economic diplomacy, continental partnerships, and diaspora engagement. Early public positions have emphasized continuity in South Africa’s foreign policy approach and attention to issues such as Palestine, African development, and strengthening ties with strategic partners.
Policy highlights & notable positions
- Rule-of-law and judicial independence: As Justice Minister Lamola repeatedly stressed constitutional values and the need for a functional justice system.
- International legal action: During his time in the justice portfolio South Africa pursued high-visibility international legal positions that attracted global attention.
- Economic diplomacy & Africa-first agenda: As foreign minister, Lamola has signalled the importance of economic engagement for youth employment, investment, and stronger South Africa–Africa ties.
Personal life
Lamola married Bawinile “Winnie” Msiza in 2013. He is known to be a keen mountain biker and a Kaizer Chiefs football supporter. He comes from a mixed cultural background (Swati mother and Tsonga father), and he maintains that his roots in Mpumalanga shaped his politics and commitment to service.
Achievements and legacy so far
Some of Lamola’s key achievements to date include: his rapid ascent from student activist to senior cabinet roles; holding two ministerial portfolios by his early 40s; and establishing himself as a leader who combines legal expertise with political experience.
Criticisms and challenges
High office brings scrutiny. Critics have questioned aspects of policy implementation in the justice system, and as foreign minister Lamola must balance principled stances with pragmatic diplomacy. Media and political analysts have called for increased transparency, clear strategic priorities, and practical steps to address persistent challenges like crime, legal backlogs, and economic headwinds. These critiques are part of the democratic debate that accompanies senior public office.
FAQs
When and where was Ronald Lamola born?
He was born on 21 November 1983 in Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga, South Africa.
What is Ronald Lamola’s educational background?
Lamola studied law at the University of Venda, completed practical legal training at UNISA, and earned postgraduate qualifications and master’s degrees from the University of Pretoria.
What positions has he held in government?
He served as Minister of Justice and Correctional Services (May 2019–June 2024) and was appointed Minister of International Relations and Cooperation in July 2024. He has been a Member of the National Assembly since 2019.
What was his role in the ANC Youth League?
He was Deputy President of the ANC Youth League.
What are some priorities as foreign minister?
Early priorities include economic diplomacy, strengthening Africa-focused partnerships, protecting South African interests abroad, and continuity on key foreign-policy stances
Conclusion
Ronald Lamola’s biography is still being written. From a politically active student in Bushbuckridge to cabinet positions that span justice and foreign affairs, Lamola represents a cohort of younger, well-educated ANC leaders shaping South Africa’s trajectory at home and abroad. As ministerial responsibilities evolve, observers will watch how Lamola balances principles, party expectations and pragmatic diplomacy in an uncertain global landscape.
