Elon Musk: A Global Journey from Pretoria to Silicon Valley

Did you know that the tech billionaire Elon Musk was born in Pretoria, South Africa? On June 28, 1971, he entered the world to a Canadian mom and a South African dad. But that's not where his story ends. Musk is a man of many places and many passions. Imagine this:Musk, at just 17 years old, moved to Canada in 1988. Why Canada? To dodge South Africa's mandatory military service. He wasn't just looking for a new home; he was seeking opportunities in the tech world. He enrolled in university in Canada and soon became a Canadian citizen. It wasn't long before he set his sights on America. Musk's time in the U. S. began with a move to Pennsylvania. He graduated in 1997 with degrees in economics and physics. But here's where things get interesting: Musk had actually planned to study at Stanford University for a PhD in energy physics. However, he dropped out after just two days. Why? The internet boom was happening, and Musk wanted to be part of it. He didn't wait for an opportunity; he made his own opportunities. The Washington Post later reported in 2024 that he worked in the U. S. without proper authorization at the beginning. Musk isn’t just a tech genius; he’s a rich one too. He's the first person to hit a net worth of over $400 billion, with an estimated value of $406. 7 billion as of early 2025. But Musk's journey isn't just about money. It's also about love. Married twice, and with twelve children—six from his first wife, three with the musician Grimes and two more with tech executive Shivon Zilis. The firstborn son Nevada, to his first wife, sadly passed away in infancy. Musk's life isn't just about numbers and success. It's about a man who saw opportunities, took chances, and made a name for himself in the tech world. But it's also about a man who, despite his wealth and influence, has faced personal challenges and tragedies. His story is one of ambition, perseverance, and the pursuit of greatness, tempered by the reality of life's ups and downs. Musk's journey from South Africa to Canada and then to the U. S shows us that the path to success isn't always straightforward. But for him, it's been a thrilling ride.