Elon Musk, a name synonymous with technological innovation and ambitious space exploration, has roots deeply entrenched in the complex socio-political landscape of apartheid South Africa. Born to Errol Musk, who was initially a member of the Progressive Federal Party opposing apartheid, Elon spent his formative years in South Africa before his family relocated in 1988. This backdrop has sparked discussions about how his upbringing and familial influences have shaped some of his controversial views today. Critics argue that Musk's stance on racial issues and his endorsement of certain conspiracy theories reflect an unresolved connection to the apartheid era.
Errol Musk's involvement in the Progressive Federal Party, which opposed apartheid, highlights a family narrative intertwined with resistance to the oppressive system. However, Errol departed from the party due to disagreements on the pace of reform, advocating for gradual change with separate parliaments for different races. This ideological stance indicates a complex relationship with apartheid policies, one that influenced Elon Musk's early life. Despite this political engagement, Elon Musk has openly criticized his father, describing him as a "terrible human being."
The Musk family left South Africa in 1988, a pivotal period leading up to the release of Nelson Mandela two years later. During their time in South Africa, Elon Musk was exposed to an education system that instilled a sense of Afrikaner victimhood and superiority. This experience left an indelible mark on his worldview. As Phillip Van Niekerk reflects on the era, "We hated the National party government. Even our teachers were kind of hostile. It was seen almost like an imposition. Yet you imbibe things through the culture. The truth is we didn’t see Black people quite as equals. We didn’t think about it."
Musk's subsequent actions and statements have stirred controversy and debate. He has been criticized for taking an unhealthy interest in genetics and endorsing claims of a looming "white genocide" in South Africa. Furthermore, his support for posts promoting the racist "great replacement" conspiracy theory has drawn significant backlash. These positions have led some to draw a direct line between his formative years during apartheid and his current views.
Owning X, a platform that has gained popularity among far-right groups, Musk finds himself at the center of discussions on free speech and its consequences. His nomination by former President Trump to head a "department of government efficiency" also underscores his alignment with certain political ideologies that echo sentiments from old South Africa. The parallels drawn by observers are further emphasized by Bea Roberts' recollection: "I think Musk in Pretoria in the 1980s must have had a sense of what Black people were experiencing and why they were angry."
The historical narrative of Afrikaans-speaking schools and the broader South African diaspora have undeniably influenced Musk's perspectives on apartheid. His father's work at a uranium mine in Swakopmund places the family within a socio-economic framework that both benefited from and grappled with apartheid's realities. This duality is captured by Stanley Cohen's observation: “There is no law against it. But there is this natural prejudice in this country which you can’t legislate for or against.”
Critics argue that Musk has not sufficiently distanced himself from the apartheid legacy and its pervasive ideologies. His language and tone are perceived by some as reminiscent of the old South Africa, prompting discussions about whether he has fully embraced a more inclusive worldview. Helen Suzman's call for industrialists to improve living conditions for workers remains relevant: “I see no reason why the industrialists should not improve the living conditions of their workers.”