Bishop’s Court, Cape Town — Errol Musk, father of Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, gave an extensive interview in Bishop’s Court, Cape Town, addressing his family life, business insights, and views on South Africa’s political and economic situation.
Errol discussed his recent trips to Russia, including attending Russia Today’s 20th anniversary, where he brought a team and met President Vladimir Putin at a dinner. He praised Moscow as the cleanest and most orderly city he has visited, highlighting its urban planning, technology, and civic discipline. He compared Moscow favorably to Washington, London, Paris, and Vienna, noting that Russian cities exhibit both cleanliness and a sense of godliness that reminded him of lessons from his childhood in Johannesburg. He also shared an anecdote about visiting the school chair of Lenin in Kazan, and admired the transformation of historic city halls into “hall of the peasants,” describing it as symbolic of Russia’s social changes.
On his family, Errol said he maintains good relations with his children. He described Elon’s busy schedule managing Tesla, SpaceX, multiple farms, and 3,500 restaurants, explaining that phone calls between them are brief and focused. His daughters, he said, live in the United States and are involved in business or film production, making communication easier.
Errol revealed that Elon remains concerned about South Africa. He recounted facilitating a phone conversation between Elon and President Cyril Ramaphosa in response to a letter sent on behalf of the president. Topics likely included potential investment in South Africa and Starlink satellite services. He also described Starlink’s use during the Ukraine conflict, explaining that Elon required payment before providing services to the American government.
The interview explored South Africa’s socio-political issues. Errol argued that government appointments should be based on merit rather than political or racial considerations, warning that failure to do so could undermine national development. He criticized some government departments, including the water ministry, and compared South Africa with Brazil, where he observed that competent governance is maintained without prioritizing ethnicity in appointments. He stressed the importance of balancing capability with cultural considerations, noting differences in educational and economic opportunity across racial lines.
Errol addressed personal controversies, denying sexual misconduct allegations and explaining past custody battles over his daughter with his second wife. He recounted how her family attempted to influence the children to lie in court, but South African family courts ultimately granted him custody, ensuring social worker supervision over interactions. He also described giving his second wife property and cars while retaining custody of their daughter, Rose, who now lives in the United States.
On media coverage, Errol criticized the New York Times, calling its reporting on Tesla misleading and motivated by a desire to discredit Elon. He detailed a past incident in which the newspaper tested a Tesla vehicle incorrectly, leading to an inaccurate report on its range.
Errol shared his views on South Africa’s economic and social future. He praised the contribution of Africana farmers in providing affordable, high-quality food, but criticized inefficiencies in government, failing infrastructure, and corruption. He observed that the white population remaining in South Africa is essential to sustaining the country, and warned against opportunistic exploitation of resources by some political elites.
He also spoke about racial dynamics, arguing that there is no widespread racism in South Africa and emphasizing the need for different cultural groups to cooperate. He cited Donald Trump’s influence in curbing government financial mismanagement and suggested that withholding tax revenue could force accountability, though he acknowledged practical limitations.
Errol concluded by reflecting on young South Africans leaving the country for better opportunities abroad. He recounted assisting several young men through the U.S. refugee program, describing how quickly they secured employment, housing, and licenses.
This interview provides an in-depth look into Errol Musk’s perspectives on family, global travel, media, and South Africa’s governance and future prospects, combining personal anecdotes with broader socio-political commentary.
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