The Lesser Known People Podcast

Errol Musk, the father of Elon Musk, is a South African electromechanical engineer, pilot, sailor, and property developer. Often described as intelligent and ambitious, he has also been the subject of controversy due to his tumultuous family relationships, shady business dealings and a history of contentious remarks in public. Errol Musk was married to Heidi Bezuidenhout, the mother of two of his children, Alexandra and Asha Musk. The relationship was fraught with difficulties, culminating in a divorce after an extended period of strain. Post-divorce, their relationship took a shocking turn when Errol fathered a child with Jana Bezuidenhout, Heidi’s daughter from a previous marriage. This revelation caused significant upheaval within the family, as Errol was effectively Jana’s stepfather for much of her upbringing. The scandal drew widespread criticism and further alienated Errol from his ex-wife and other members of the Musk family. Errol’s relationship with his eldest son, Elon Musk, has been strained for many years. Elon has publicly described Errol as a difficult and complex figure, even calling him "a terrible human being" in interviews. Despite Errol’s claims of having supported Elon during his early ventures, including his education, Elon has distanced himself from his father, citing personal grievances and fundamental differences in values. Errol’s behavior and public comments often exacerbate the tension. While he has occasionally praised Elon’s accomplishments, he has also been critical of him at times, creating a dynamic that is far from harmonious. Their relationship reflects a broader pattern of estrangement within the Musk family, with Errol remaining a divisive figure whose actions and statements continue to generate controversy.