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September 11, 2026Short & citedBlog
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Money & Work • Entrepreneurs

Errol Musk

Errol Graham Musk is a South African businessman, engineer and former local politician, known as the father of Elon Musk and other members of the Musk family.

Updated September 11, 20261 min readCited sources

Errol Graham Musk is a South African businessman, engineer and former local politician, best known as the father of Elon Musk. He served on the Pretoria City Council from 1972 to 1983 and worked in engineering consulting, property development and investment ventures.

What it is

Errol Musk is a South African figure whose public profile stems largely from being the father of prominent entrepreneur Elon Musk, as well as Kimbal Musk and Tosca Musk. He was born in Pretoria in 1946 and has been involved in various business and political activities over his career.

Why it matters

Errol Musk is a central part of the Musk family background, providing context for the upbringing of his children. His own business ventures and political service in Pretoria from 1972 to 1983 offer insight into the environment that shaped the family's early life in South Africa.

Key details

Errol Musk worked as a mechanical engineering consultant and property developer, and sources describe him as an investor in ventures including emerald trading. He was initially an independent member of the Pretoria City Council before joining the Progressive Federal Party.

In short

  • Born in Pretoria, South Africa in 1946.
  • Served on the Pretoria City Council from 1972 to 1983.
  • Father of Elon Musk, Kimbal Musk and Tosca Musk.
  • Worked as an engineering consultant, property developer and investor.

Quick questions

Who is Errol Musk?
Errol Musk is a South African businessman and former politician, best known as the father of Elon Musk.
What did Errol Musk do for work?
He worked as a mechanical engineering consultant, property developer and investor, and he was also involved in politics.
Is Errol Musk part of the Musk family?
Yes. He is a central member of the Musk family and the father of Elon Musk, Kimbal Musk and Tosca Musk.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Errol_Musk
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, birthplace, occupations, and Pretoria City Council service.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Musk_family
    Supports: Family relationships, including Errol Musk as father of Elon Musk, Kimbal Musk and Tosca Musk.
  3. Wikipedia (German) — https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Errol_Musk
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, and identification as a South African businessman and local politician.