Errol Musk has lived a life filled with wealth, controversy, and broken relationships. Known as the father of Elon Musk, he made millions long before his son became one of the richest men in the world.
Once a successful engineer and property developer, he built a fortune, owned luxury homes, and lived a high-profile life in South Africa.
But wealth did not bring peace. His life has been marked by scandals, family conflicts, and shocking revelations that have kept his name in the headlines. Let’s see how successful he is in 2025.
| Full Name | Errol Musk |
| Birth Year | 1946 |
| Profession | Engineer, Property Developer |
| Nationality | South African |
| Net Worth (2025) | $5 Million |
| Children | Elon Musk, Kimbal Musk, Tosca Musk |
How Errol Musk Made His Money and Built His Fortune
Errol Musk started as an engineer and property developer in South Africa, making millions long before Elon Musk became a global name.
His work in construction brought him early success, allowing him to take on big projects like office buildings, retail complexes, and even an air force base.
By his early 30s, he had already built significant wealth, owning one of the biggest houses in Pretoria.
Real estate played a huge role in his fortune. He developed land, built properties, and invested in large-scale projects that paid off.
Unlike Elon, who focused on technology, Errol worked in industries that created tangible wealth—land, buildings, and infrastructure.
His success allowed him to live a lavish life, but money did not shield him from controversy.
His financial story is often linked to rumors about a Zambian emerald mine, a claim that has fueled speculation for years.
Did Errol Musk Own an Emerald Mine?
For years, stories about Errol Musk owning an emerald mine in Zambia have circulated, adding mystery to his wealth.
Some claim he was involved in mining, while others say the story has been blown out of proportion. The truth is complicated, and Errol himself has given conflicting accounts.
At one point, Errol Musk said he had access to emeralds from a mine in Zambia during the 1980s, allegedly through a deal with Italian traders.
He once claimed that he and a partner bought half an emerald mine and would sell stones without official documentation. But in other interviews, he dismissed these stories, saying the mine was never really his, and that most claims about it were exaggerated.
Elon Musk has denied the emerald mine story, saying that his family was not wealthy when he was growing up. He insists that he built his fortune from scratch, without any inherited wealth.
The contradiction has fueled endless debates, with some believing Errol made his fortune in real estate alone, while others suspect the emerald trade played a role.
What is clear is that Errol Musk was already wealthy before Elon Musk rose to fame.
Lifestyle and Assets in 2025
Unlike his son, who is constantly in the spotlight, Errol prefers a quieter existence, though his past keeps him in the news.
Real Estate and Properties
Errol Musk once owned one of the largest homes in Pretoria, South Africa, thanks to his success in engineering and real estate development.
Over the years, he has bought and sold multiple properties, but the details of his current holdings remain unclear.
Luxury and Personal Life
In his prime, Errol enjoyed expensive cars, lavish homes, and international travel. He was never shy about spending money and once claimed that he flew around the world for business deals without financial concerns.
In recent years, he has kept a lower profile, though he still grants interviews that bring up his controversial past.
Unlike Elon Musk, who runs Tesla and SpaceX, Errol Musk does not have a company tied to his name today. His financial dealings are no longer public, but he remains financially stable, even if he no longer controls the kind of wealth he once did.
Relationship with Elon Musk
Elon Musk and his father have one of the most publicly broken relationships in modern history.
Elon does not hide his resentment, and Errol does not hold back in defending himself. Their conflict has played out in interviews, biographies, and public statements, leaving little doubt that their bond is beyond repair.
A Childhood Full of Conflict
After Errol and Maye Musk divorced, Elon chose to live with his father in South Africa. It was a decision he would later regret. Despite growing up in wealth, Elon has described his father as controlling, manipulative, and emotionally abusive. In a 2017 interview, he called Errol “evil” and claimed he had committed “almost every crime you can think of.” He refused to elaborate but made it clear that his father was not a man he respected.
Errol, on the other hand, has dismissed Elon’s claims as exaggerated. He insists that he provided for his children and that Elon’s success was built on the education and upbringing he gave him. According to Errol, he was always a supportive father and Elon’s negative view of him is unfair.
Money, Power, and Distance
One of the biggest points of contention is whether Errol Musk helped Elon succeed. Some reports claim his businesses gave Elon financial backing, while Elon insists he built everything from scratch.
He has repeatedly stated that he worked his way through college, lived on a tight budget, and never took money from his father.
There is no reconciliation in sight. Elon Musk continues to avoid any association with his father, while Errol still gives interviews where he talks about their family history. At this point, their relationship seems permanently broken.
FAQs
Did Errol Musk Ever Get Arrested for the Shooting Incident?
No, Errol Musk was never arrested or convicted for the shooting of three intruders at his home in South Africa. He has admitted to the incident, stating that he acted in self-defense. Some sources claim Elon Musk was present at the time, but neither of them has fully confirmed the details.
Has Errol Musk Ever Tried to Reconnect with Elon Musk?
Yes, Errol Musk has claimed in interviews that he has attempted to reconnect with Elon, but it has not worked. He has suggested that their estrangement is one-sided, blaming Elon for keeping his distance. Elon, on the other hand, has given no indication that he wants to rebuild the relationship.
How Many Children Does Errol Musk Have?
Errol Musk has several children, including Elon Musk, Kimbal Musk, and Tosca Musk. However, one of the most shocking revelations came when he admitted to having two children with his own stepdaughter, Jana Bezuidenhout. This revelation sparked outrage and further damaged his public image.
Did Errol Musk Inherit Any Wealth, or Was He Self-Made?
Unlike Elon, who insists he built his fortune from nothing, Errol Musk was already wealthy from a young age. He became a multimillionaire before 30, thanks to his engineering and property development businesses. His wealth was not inherited but was built through real estate and construction projects.
Does Errol Musk Regret His Public Image?
Errol Musk has expressed frustration with how he is portrayed, but he does not seem to regret his actions. In interviews, he has dismissed criticism and even called himself “ruthless” while defending his decisions. He acknowledges that Elon and others see him as controversial, but he does not appear interested in changing public opinion.
Final Thoughts
Errol Musk has lived a life filled with wealth, controversy, and family conflicts. Once a successful engineer and property developer, he built a fortune that allowed him to live a lavish lifestyle. Over time, his name became linked to scandals, rumors, and a broken relationship with his most famous son, Elon Musk.
