Errol Musk: Biography, Family, & Elon's Dad Uncovered!

Prof. Ross Stoltenberg I 12 May 2025

Could the father of one of the world's most influential innovators be a figure as complex and multifaceted as his son? Errol Graham Musk, a man born in Pretoria, South Africa, in 1946, is a personality who has lived a life marked by engineering prowess, political involvement, and family dynamics, all while casting a significant shadow on the legacy of his more famous offspring, Elon Musk.

Born in the heart of South Africa, Errol's life has been a journey through engineering, politics, and entrepreneurship. His roots are a blend of South African and British heritage, a background that may have fostered the innovative spirit seen in his children. His early life was marked by the technical challenges and opportunities available in South Africa at the time.

Attribute	Details
Full Name	Errol Graham Musk
Date of Birth	May 25, 1946 (or in some sources, 1946)
Place of Birth	Pretoria, Transvaal, South Africa
Nationality	South African
Parents	Walter Musk and Cora Robinson
Spouse(s)	Maye Musk (divorced), Heide Bezuidenhout (remarried)
Children	Elon Musk, Kimbal Musk, Tosca Musk, Alexandra Ali Musk, Elliot Rush Musk (with Jana Bezuidenhout), and other children.
Occupation(s)	Electromechanical Engineer, Pilot, Sailor, Consultant, Property Developer, Businessman
Political Affiliation	Served on Pretoria City Council as an Independent, Member of South Africa's Progressive Federal Party (briefly)
Height	6 feet 2 inches (approx. 188 cm)
Known For	Father of Elon Musk, work in engineering, property development and politics
Key Achievements	Elected to Pretoria City Council in 1972. Has worked as an engineer, and developed various properties.
Reference	Wikipedia - Errol Musk

Errol's professional journey is as diverse as his personal life. He is an electromechanical engineer, pilot, and sailor, with experience in property development and consulting. This multifaceted background provided him with a unique perspective, and undoubtedly influenced his approach to life and business. In 1972, he entered the political arena and was elected to the Pretoria City Council representing the Sunnyside ward as an independent. This demonstrates an interest in civic affairs and a desire to contribute to his community. He briefly became a member of South Africa's Progressive Federal Party, before political disagreements prompted his resignation.

The year 1946 was a pivotal year for the Musk family, marking the birth of Errol. This was followed by the birth of his daughter, Tosca, in 1974, also in Pretoria. The younger generation, including Kimbal, Elon, and Tosca, have gone on to make their mark in the world, echoing the innovative spirit that could be traced back to their father and grandfather.

Errol Musk's relationship with his son, Elon, is a complex one. Reports suggest that the relationship is strained, with differing views and public statements. This has led to both admiration and controversy. The dynamics within the Musk family have become a subject of public interest, as the world watches and speculates about their interactions. Elon Musk's life, as well as his brother's and sister's, has kept their family name in the public eye.

In the realm of business, Errol Musk's influence is not as widely recognized as his son's. However, he has been involved in various ventures, primarily in the fields of engineering and property development. His experience in engineering and business has provided him with a foundation for his own achievements, and has helped shape the way his children have approached the world.

The family has faced public scrutiny and media coverage, particularly regarding Errol's personal life. Reports of a second child with Jana Bezuidenhout, years after his marriage to Maye ended, brought further complexity to an already intricate family situation. This highlights the personal side of a man who has remained in the public eye due to his association with his famous son.

The story of the Musk family is a blend of ambition, success, and personal challenges. Errol's life, in particular, mirrors many of the complexities of success, highlighting how a life in the public eye will often bring great rewards, and great challenges. His narrative serves as a reminder that the path of family, career, and public life is rarely simple.

The story of Errol Musk is interwoven with the broader saga of the Musk family, a clan that has risen to prominence in the worlds of technology, business, and innovation. His life is a reflection of a man who has lived through various fields, from engineering to politics. His lifes journey provides a compelling glimpse into a person who has left his own mark on the world, while also shaping the family that has had a profound effect on the 21st century.