Errol Musk: Elon’s Estranged Father Whom the Billionaire Described as Evil, Terrible Human Being

Errol Musk, born in South Africa, is a retired engineer, businessman, and politician.

He was married to Maye Musk, with whom he had three children, including Elon Musk.

Errol’s career included engineering consultancy and property development, and he reportedly owned part of an emerald mine, contributing to his wealth.

His relationship with Elon has been tumultuous; Elon has described him as “evil,” and their estrangement has been notable.

Education

Errol attended Clapham High School in Pretoria, South Africa.

He pursued higher education in electromechanics at the University of Pretoria.

His academic background laid the foundation for his later career as an engineer and businessman, where he gained expertise in electrical and mechanical engineering.

Career

Errol co-founded Musk Engineering in 1970, which focused on the design and manufacturing of mining equipment.

His background in electromechanics allowed him to innovate in this field, contributing to the efficiency and safety of mining operations.

In addition to his engineering work, Errol ventured into real estate, focusing on commercial property development.

He bought and developed various properties, which contributed significantly to his financial success.

His investments often targeted strategic locations that promised growth, leveraging his understanding of market trends to maximize returns.

Errol is also a licensed pilot; his passion for flying added another dimension to his career, allowing him to engage in aviation beyond just a hobby.

Moreover, he served on the Pretoria City Council, a role that allowed him to influence community development and infrastructure projects

There are claims that Errol owned part of an emerald mine in Zambia, but while the extent of this ownership is often discussed, it is frequently cited as a significant factor in his wealth.

Personal life

Errol has had a complex family life marked by multiple relationships and children.

He was first married to Maye Haldeman Musk in 1970, with whom he had three children, namely Elon, Kimbal, and Tosca.

After their divorce, Errol married Heide Bezuidenhout, and they had two daughters, Alexandra and Asha.

In a controversial turn, Errol began a relationship with his former stepdaughter, Jana Bezuidenhout.

They have two children together: a son named Elliot, born in 2017, and a daughter born in 2019.

Relationship with Elon Musk

Elon has publicly acknowledged his father’s influence on his work ethic and technical interests, crediting him with exposing him to engineering from an early age.

However, he has also described Errol as “emotionally distant” and a “terrible human being,” reflecting the complexities of their family dynamics.

“He was such a terrible human being. You have no idea. My dad will have a carefully thought-out plan of evil… He will plan evil,” Elon told Rolling Stone.

Elon experienced a difficult childhood, particularly after his parents’ divorce, which contributed to a strained relationship with Errol.

Despite attempts to mend their relationship, including financial support, tensions escalated, especially after Errol fathered two children with his former stepdaughter.