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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.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

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

Early life

Errol Graham Musk was born in Pretoria, South Africa, in 1946. Available sources identify him as South African and note his later roles in business and public life.

Business career

Musk worked as a mechanical engineering consultant and property developer. Sources also describe him as an investor in ventures that included emerald trading and other business activities.

Political career

He served on the Pretoria City Council from 1972 to 1983. During that period, he was initially an independent and later joined the Progressive Federal Party.

Family

Musk is best known internationally as the father of Elon Musk. He is also the father of Kimbal Musk and Tosca Musk, and is part of the broader Musk family.

Key facts

  • Errol Musk was born in Pretoria in 1946.
  • He served on the Pretoria City Council from 1972 to 1983, first as an independent and later as a member of the Progressive Federal Party.
  • He worked as a mechanical engineering consultant and property developer.
  • Sources describe him as having invested in ventures including emerald trading.
  • He is the father of Elon Musk, Kimbal Musk and Tosca Musk.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Errol Musk?
Errol Musk is a South African businessman and former politician, best known as the father of Elon Musk.
When was Errol Musk born?
He was born on 25 May 1946.
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.
Did Errol Musk hold public office?
Yes. He served on the Pretoria City Council from 1972 to 1983.
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.

References

  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.