Where Did Elon Musk Live in Pretoria During His Childhood?
Elon Musk's Formative Years in Pretoria
Elon Musk, the internationally renowned entrepreneur and CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, was born in Pretoria, South Africa. He spent much of his formative years in this bustling capital city, particularly in the affluent suburb of Waterkloof. This article delves into the details of his early life in Pretoria, providing insights into the environment that shaped his later technological pursuits and entrepreneurial endeavors.
Waterkloof: An Affluent Suburb
In the early 1970s, when Elon Musk was around the age of 9, his family relocated to the upmarket suburb of Waterkloof in the eastern part of Pretoria. Quaint homes and large properties are the norm here, as this area is known for its affluent neighborhoods. The Musk family's home in Waterkloof stood out, being one of these large, elegant residences.
Currently, Waterkloof offers a variety of mansion-style properties, as exemplified by the following image:
The suburb's proximity to other desirable areas, such as Queenswood, made it an ideal location for the Musk family. However, after his parents' divorce at the age of 10, Elon attended private boarding schools in Pretoria to avoid the frequent moves that would otherwise have been necessary to follow his father.
The Musk Family and Their Expatriate Life
Errol Musk, Elon's father, was born in 1946 in South Africa and later became a wealthy engineer through his own engineering consulting practice and real estate development, particularly related to mining and natural resources. By the time of his early 30s, Errol had achieved a significant level of success, enabling him to live a life of leisure and travel.
Errol Musk enjoyed a variety of leisure activities, including sailing and piloting a Cessna, as well as owning several residential homes, including one in the upscale suburb of Waterkloof. The family's home in Waterkloof was likely where Elon spent most of his childhood, despite his father's semi-retired status and frequent travels.
There is a story that Elon and his brother, Kimbal, visited an emerald mine near Lake Tanganyika, Zambia, with their father. This mine, located in Zambia, was one of Errol's business interests, further illustrating the family's extensive wealth and entrepreneurial spirit.
After graduating high school at age 17, Elon Musk left South Africa to pursue his higher education, marking the end of his formative years in Pretoria.
In summary, Elon Musk's early life in Waterkloof, Pretoria, was marked by affluence and privilege, factors that undoubtedly influenced his future ambitions and technological pursuits.