While tech billionaire Elon Musk has recently criticized South Africa’s policies as “openly racist,” his father, Errol Musk, remains a passionate defender of his home country, claiming it is still the best place in the world to live.
In a candid interview on Podcast & Chill with MacG late last year, Errol Musk, who resides in the seaside town of Langebaan in the Western Cape, shared his views on life in South Africa and why he prefers it over any other country.
“Everything You Want is Here”
When asked why he chose to stay in South Africa despite traveling extensively for business and leisure, Errol Musk responded enthusiastically:
“South Africa is one of the better places to be in the world. Everything is here; you don’t miss anything. Anything you want, you can get in South Africa.”
He added, “I go away quite a lot. I can’t find a better place with better food or better people.”
Errol dismissed the U.S.—where his son Elon is a naturalized citizen—as a “workaholic’s paradise”, noting that it’s expensive and lacks the quality of life he enjoys in South Africa.
Ties to South Africa’s Political Circles
During the interview, Errol Musk revealed his connections to prominent figures in South African politics. He claimed to have friends in the cabinet, including Bejani Chauke, a former political advisor to President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Errol even mentioned that he had purchased a Bentley previously owned by the president.
“It’s perfect. I’ve never found a car so well looked after,” he said.
Elon Musk vs. South African Government
Meanwhile, Errol’s son Elon has been outspoken in his criticism of South Africa’s policies, particularly those related to Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) and the recently signed Expropriation Act.
Earlier this week, Elon Musk took aim at President Ramaphosa on social media, accusing the South African government of enforcing “openly racist laws” after his internet company, Starlink, was ordered by ICASA to comply with a 30% black ownership requirement.
The outspoken entrepreneur has also voiced concerns about land expropriation policies and has encouraged white South Africans to consider immigrating to the U.S.
Errol’s Role in Calming Tensions
According to BusinessLive, Errol Musk recently facilitated a call between President Ramaphosa and Elon Musk in an effort to clear up what he called “disinformation.”
Despite the differing views between father and son, Errol remains steadfast in his belief that South Africa is the best place to live, insisting that no other country offers the same quality of life. Meanwhile, Elon Musk’s ongoing criticism continues to stir debates about South Africa’s political landscape and economic policies.