At 76, May Musk, celebrated model and trailblazing dietician, has revealed the emotional truth behind her son Elon Musk’s journey to global prominence.
In a candid interview, May shared the untold sacrifices she made as a single mother and the pivotal role she played in shaping Elon’s path.
“I was the one who pushed Elon to succeed and raised him alone,” she confessed, shedding light on the resilience and strength that defined her life. Her story is one of perseverance, sacrifice, and the unwavering resolve of a mother whose influence helped shape history.
Early Life in South Africa
May Musk’s journey began in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, where she was born into a family of explorers. At the age of two, her family relocated to South Africa. Raised in a household that valued adventure and independence, May quickly developed a fearless spirit. Her parents, Wyn and Joshua Haldeman, were unconventional adventurers who instilled in their children a belief in self-sufficiency and resilience.
At 15, May entered the world of modeling, beginning a career that would span over five decades. In parallel, she pursued a degree in dietetics, balancing her aspirations in fashion with academic achievement. This dual focus required discipline and determination, traits she would later pass on to her children. “I always believed in doing what you love,” May reflected, a mantra that guided her even in the most challenging moments of her life.
Surviving an Abusive Marriage
May married Errol Musk, a South African engineer, in her early 20s. While their marriage initially seemed promising, it soon became marked by physical and emotional abuse. Divorce was not legally permissible in South Africa until 1979, making May’s decision to leave Errol all the more courageous. A turning point came when Errol’s aggression was publicly witnessed by friends, prompting May to seek refuge at her mother’s home. “It was terrifying,” she recalled, “but I knew I couldn’t stay any longer.”
Her divorce marked the beginning of a new chapter, defined by survival and an unwavering commitment to her three children. Returning to her career as a dietician and continuing her modeling work, May juggled multiple roles to ensure financial stability for her family. These struggles forged a formidable character that became the foundation of her parenting philosophy.
A Parenting Philosophy Rooted in Independence
As a single mother, May Musk adopted a hands-off approach to parenting that prioritized independence and creativity. She encouraged her children—Elon, Kimbal, and Tosca—to think critically, take risks, and pursue their passions. “I was the one who made sure they learned independence early,” she said.
May often involved her children in her dietetics practice, teaching them responsibility through real-world tasks. Tosca answered phones and wrote letters, while Elon and Kimbal helped with odd jobs. These experiences instilled a strong work ethic and problem-solving skills from an early age.
Elon’s early experiments with rockets and technology might have alarmed other parents, but May embraced his curiosity. “I wasn’t worried,” she said. “I knew he was figuring things out and learning from his mistakes.” Her encouragement extended to all her children, nurturing Kimbal’s entrepreneurial ventures and Tosca’s passion for storytelling and filmmaking.
May’s entrepreneurial spirit served as an unspoken guide for her children. As they witnessed her balancing multiple roles with determination and grace, they learned the value of hard work and resilience.
Elon Musk’s Formative Years
From a young age, Elon displayed an insatiable appetite for learning. Books were his refuge, and science fiction classics like Isaac Asimov’s Foundation series fueled his dreams of shaping the future. May nurtured his intellectual curiosity, ensuring he had access to books and resources to explore his interests.
At the age of 10, Elon taught himself to program and, by 12, developed a video game called Blaster, which he sold for $500. “I didn’t understand half of what he was doing,” May admitted, “but I knew it was important.”
Elon’s childhood in South Africa, however, was not without challenges. Severe bullying and social isolation tested his resilience. On one occasion, he was hospitalized after being thrown down a flight of stairs. May remained a pillar of support, reminding him that his brilliance would one day take him far.
At 17, Elon left South Africa for Canada, leveraging his mother’s Canadian citizenship to start anew. May supported his dream, despite the financial and emotional strain it placed on her. “I encouraged him to take that leap,” she said. Her unwavering belief in his potential fueled Elon’s determination to succeed.
Mutual Inspiration Between Mother and Son
May Musk’s influence on Elon’s life is immeasurable. Her sacrifices and support created an environment where his ambitions could thrive. Elon’s ability to tackle seemingly insurmountable challenges, from SpaceX’s early rocket failures to Tesla’s financial struggles, can be traced back to the lessons he learned from his mother.
Elon often speaks of May with deep admiration, crediting her as one of his greatest inspirations. “She believed in me when no one else did,” he said. May, in turn, revealed the profound impact Elon had on her. “He was the one who inspired me to keep going,” she confessed, acknowledging the mutual inspiration that defines their relationship.
A Legacy of Strength and Resilience
May Musk’s story is a testament to the strength and determination of a mother who defied convention to build a better future for her children. Her sacrifices, resilience, and belief in her children’s potential laid the groundwork for their success.
Now a celebrated model and author, May continues to inspire with her journey. Her life stands as a powerful reminder of the hidden strength that shapes history, and her influence will undoubtedly be felt for generations to come.
