Elon Musk Was Friends With His 'Black Servants' Growing Up, Father Says

Elon Musk’s upbringing in apartheid-era South Africa continues to attract attention, with his father, Errol Musk, sharing details about Elon’s early interactions with "Black servants" in their household. In a recent interview with The Washington Post, Errol Musk explained that his son grew up as friends with Black servants who worked for their family.

The comments are part of a broader discussion about Elon Musk’s evolving views on race and his political journey.

Errol Musk’s comments highlight Elon’s childhood during the 1970s in South Africa, a time when racial segregation was strictly enforced under apartheid. According to Errol, Elon and his younger brother formed friendships with the Black workers employed by their family.

In an email to The Washington Post, he described how the family “lived in a very well-run, law-abiding country with virtually no crime at all,” and how the Black servants were “friends” with Elon and his brother.

Musk’s early experiences in South Africa have shaped his views on race and political issues over the years. Once regarded as a moderate Democrat, Elon Musk has become increasingly conservative in recent years, aligning himself with the Republican Party.

His evolving stance on racial issues, particularly in the context of his political role, has sparked significant scrutiny.

Errol Musk further shared that his sons had Black friends and even attended an anti-apartheid concert, signaling their disapproval of the political and social system based on racial segregation. However, Musk’s political views have shifted dramatically since those early years.

As a key figure in the Trump administration, Musk has advocated for the dismantling of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and has made controversial comments about systemic racism, including calling it "concerning" when directed toward white people in the United States. .

Musk has also clashed with the South African government over its race policies, accusing them of anti-white racism in relation to a law preventing Starlink from operating in the country.

These political leanings have contributed to Musk’s polarizing public persona. His critics often point to his remarks about race and his involvement in Trump’s administration as evidence of his shift to more conservative, right-wing positions.

As CEO of Tesla and other high-profile companies, Musk’s views hold considerable influence, particularly given his role in Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has focused on reducing government spending and firing federal employees.

The topic of Musk's racial views also raises questions about his understanding of systemic discrimination, with some former classmates, such as Rudolph Pienaar, who attended Pretoria Boys High School with Musk, suggesting that Musk may not fully grasp the struggles of marginalized groups. "

We grew up in a bubble of entitlement," Pienaar remarked, "I am not sure if Elon can conceive of systematic discrimination and struggle because that's not his experience."

Elon Musk has addressed these concerns in the past. In a 2017 company-wide email, Musk expressed empathy for minorities, acknowledging that they had faced challenges not experienced by those in more privileged positions. He encouraged his employees not to allow anyone to feel excluded or unfairly treated.

Despite growing pressure from Tesla investors for Musk to step back from his political activities, he has shown no intention of distancing himself from his role in DOGE or his political activities. The continued intersection of Musk’s business ventures and political involvement remains a point of contention, particularly as it shapes the public perception of both Musk and the companies he leads.

The evolving narrative surrounding Musk’s views on race and his political activities illustrates the ongoing influence of his background and how it continues to shape both his personal and professional life. Musk’s shifting political ideologies, particularly his stance on racial issues, remain a focal point in his increasingly public role in politics, adding layers of complexity to his legacy as a tech entrepreneur and political figure.

As Musk continues to influence American politics and the corporate landscape, his involvement in the Trump administration and views on race will likely remain central to the conversation surrounding his impact on society and the businesses he leads.