Elon Musk’s background is as complex and intriguing as the man himself. Born on June 28, 1971, in Pretoria, South Africa, Musk entered the world as the first child of Errol Musk and Maye Musk. His lineage is a fascinating mix of cultures and histories, a blend that has undoubtedly played a role in shaping his relentless ambition and unconventional approach to life.
Though often mistaken for having Afrikaner roots due to his South African birthplace, Musk has clarified that his ancestry is predominantly British and English. This places him in the same category as another famous South African-born figure, J.R.R. Tolkien, the legendary author of The Lord of the Rings.
What Is Elon Musk’s Ethnicity? All About His Parents, Errol and Maye
Elon Musk’s father, Errol Musk, was an engineer, property developer, and businessman, with a controversial reputation that extends far beyond his professional life. Born in South Africa in 1946, Errol’s lineage includes English and South African ancestry, with his father, Walter Henry James Musk, serving as a sergeant and cryptographer in Egypt during World War II. Errol himself was a highly skilled engineer and entrepreneur, engaging in various ventures, including an infamous claim of owning a share in a Zambian emerald mine—an assertion Elon has repeatedly refuted.
Beyond business, Errol’s personal life has been filled with controversy, from his short-lived political career in South Africa’s Progressive Federal Party to the shocking revelation in 2018 that he had fathered a child with his former stepdaughter, Jana Bezuidenhout. This revelation, along with his history of strained relationships, including a tumultuous marriage with Maye Musk, has led Elon to describe his father as a “terrible human being” who had “done almost every crime you can possibly think of.”
Maye Musk, on the other hand, is a Canadian-South African model and dietitian who has spent over 50 years in the fashion industry, gracing the covers of magazines well into her seventies. Born Maye Haldeman on April 19, 1948, in Canada, she moved to South Africa with her adventurous parents, Joshua and Winnifred Haldeman, when she was just a child. Her father, Joshua, was a chiropractor, aviator, and political activist with ties to the technocracy movement, known for his radical views, including support for apartheid-era South Africa.
Elon Musk and his mom, Maye, sharing a heartwarming mother-son moment. ❤️
Maye: “I love you very much.”
Elon Musk: “I love you too, Mom.” pic.twitter.com/slWc1eO0vO
— SMX 🇺🇸 (@iam_smx) January 27, 2025
Maye, however, carved out her own path, becoming a highly successful model and later publishing a memoir, A Woman Makes a Plan, detailing her struggles, including her abusive marriage to Errol. She recalled instances of domestic violence and described how a young Elon, at just five years old, once attempted to protect her from Errol’s rage.
The Musk family dynamic was nothing short of complicated. After their divorce in 1979, Errol and Maye went their separate ways, and Elon, at the age of nine, made the fateful decision to live with his father. This choice, as he later admitted, was “not a good idea.” Living with Errol exposed him to a harsh and isolating environment, but it also fueled his desire to escape and achieve something greater.
By 1988, at the age of 17, Elon Musk had left South Africa entirely, seeking better opportunities in Canada. Through his mother’s Canadian citizenship, he secured his own and moved to North America, eventually enrolling at Queen’s University in Ontario before transferring to the University of Pennsylvania in the United States.
Meanwhile, Elon Musk’s ethnicity is primarily British and English due to his ancestral lineage. His father, Errol Musk, has English and South African heritage, with Errol’s father, Walter Henry James Musk, being of English descent. His mother, Maye Musk, was born in Canada to Joshua Haldeman and Winnifred Haldeman, both of whom were of British descent. This means that despite being born in South Africa, Elon Musk’s ethnic background is largely rooted in British and English ancestry rather than Afrikaner or Dutch lineage, which is common in South Africa.
What Is Elon Musk’s Nationality?
Elon Musk’s nationality is just as layered as his heritage. Though born South African, he quickly sought a path out of the country due to his opposition to its mandatory military service under the apartheid regime. By obtaining Canadian citizenship in 1989, he was able to relocate to North America, and later, in 2002, he officially became a U.S. citizen.
This multi-national identity has played a significant role in his global perspective and ability to explore different cultural and business environments. Today, Musk is often considered an American entrepreneur, though he frequently references his South African roots, both in interviews and through his business ventures.
Throughout his life, Elon Musk’s relationship with his parents has been a defining factor in shaping his character. His estrangement from Errol, punctuated by brief reconciliations, continues to make headlines, while his bond with Maye remains strong. She has been a constant supporter of his ventures, frequently appearing at Tesla and SpaceX events, and even walking the red carpet with him at high-profile gatherings like the Met Gala.
