Errol Musk stirs controversy: ‘Elon had black friends… our servants’

Elon Musk

Cape Town – Errol Musk, the father of billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, has strongly denied allegations that his son is racist, asserting that Elon had black friends while growing up in South Africa, referring to the family’s servants.

According to a report by Independent, Errol, 79, responded to the claims in an email to The Washington Post, emphasising that his children were not politically inclined but rather focused on their personal interests and hobbies.

“We had several Black servants who were their friends,” Errol was quoted as saying, a remark that has sparked controversy, with critics pointing out its racial undertones and the historical context of apartheid-era South Africa, where segregation and racial inequalities were deeply entrenched.

Errol said this while addressing concerns regarding his son’s criticism of workplace initiatives aimed at promoting diversity and equity.

Elon’s father appeared nostalgic for the South Africa of his children’s youth, portraying it as a “well-run, law-abiding country with almost no crime”.

According to IOL, this is not the first time Errol has publicly defended his son. In February 2025, he backed Elon Musk’s controversial remarks about South Africa, where the Tesla and SpaceX CEO described the country’s situation as a “genocide”.

‘This is not a good thing’

Speaking on a podcast hosted by MacG and Sol Phenduka, Errol attempted to clarify Elon’s comments, claiming that his son was referencing statistical data on crime rates affecting white farmers in South Africa.

“I think what he said was that white farmers are three times more likely to be shot than a police officer. This is not a good thing,” Errol explained.

His defence, however, was met with strong pushback, particularly from Sol Phenduka, who challenged Errol’s views on the podcast. A clip of the exchange went viral on social media, with many users criticising Errol for what they saw as an attempt to justify “white privilege” rather than addressing broader socio-economic and racial injustices in South Africa.

One widely shared post on X (formerly Twitter) by ENOCKAY PICTURES read:

“Errol Musk tried so hard to defend his son and ‘white privilege,’ but Sol Phenduka demolished him.”

The debate surrounding Elon Musk’s stance on South Africa remains highly charged, with supporters arguing that he is shedding light on issues facing the country, while critics accuse him of fueling divisive narratives.

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