On June 16, 2025, at 1:34 PM local time in Austin, Texas, Elon Musk orchestrated a touching surprise birthday celebration for his 90-year-old former teacher, marking a rare departure from his high-stakes world of innovation and politics. The event, held at a private venue near Musk’s sprawling estate, reunited the tech mogul with a figure from his early years in Pretoria, South Africa, in a moment brimming with gratitude, laughter, and, of course, cake. This heartwarming reunion not only highlighted Musk’s personal roots but also offered a glimpse into the values that shaped his journey from a curious schoolboy to the world’s richest man, stirring admiration and curiosity among fans and observers alike.
The story began decades ago when Musk, born in 1971, attended a local school in Pretoria under the guidance of his former teacher, whom sources close to the event identify only as Mrs. Eleanor van der Merwe. Known for her rigorous yet nurturing approach, Mrs. van der Merwe taught Musk during his formative years, a period marked by his parents’ separation and the bullying he endured. Musk has often credited his early education with sparking his interest in science and technology, though he rarely speaks publicly about specific influences. This surprise celebration, however, suggests a deep, unpublicized bond with the now-nonagenarian educator, whose 90th birthday became the occasion for a long-overdue reunion.
The planning was meticulous, reflecting Musk’s characteristic attention to detail. Sources indicate he enlisted the help of his mother, Maye Musk, and a small team to keep the event under wraps. Invitations were discreetly extended to a select group, including family members and a few close friends, ensuring Mrs. van der Merwe remained unaware until the moment she arrived. The venue, a cozy hall adorned with balloons and vintage photographs from Musk’s school days, was transformed into a nostalgic haven. A large banner reading “Happy 90th, Mrs. V!” hung prominently, alongside a table laden with a multi-tiered cake decorated with edible images of textbooks and rockets—a nod to their shared history.
The surprise unfolded when Mrs. van der Merwe, escorted by a family member, entered the hall to find Musk waiting with a broad smile. The 90-year-old, dressed in a floral dress, froze in disbelief before breaking into laughter, her hands trembling with emotion. Musk approached, offering a warm embrace, and the room erupted in applause. “I never thought I’d see you again, let alone like this!” she exclaimed, her voice cracking with joy. Musk, typically reserved about his personal life, responded with a rare vulnerability: “You gave me the tools to dream big. This is the least I could do.” The exchange set the tone for an afternoon filled with heartfelt reminiscences.
The celebration featured a mix of activities that blended past and present. Musk and Mrs. van der Merwe sat together, flipping through a scrapbook of old school projects, including a rudimentary computer game Musk coded at age 12—a project she had encouraged. Laughter filled the air as she recounted his mischievous streak, like the time he reprogrammed a classroom calculator to display humorous messages. Other guests, including Musk’s son Lil X, 5, and his mother Maye, joined in, with Lil X presenting Mrs. van der Merwe with a handmade card. The cake-cutting moment was a highlight, with Musk playfully feeding her the first slice, prompting more laughter as icing smudged her cheek.
Musk’s gesture was more than a nostalgic tribute. He announced a $1 million donation to a South African education fund in Mrs. van der Merwe’s name, aimed at supporting underprivileged students—a move that aligned with his pronatalist and educational advocacy. The gift surprised even his inner circle, with Maye later telling a reporter, “Elon’s always had a soft spot for those who shaped him.” The donation underscored a theme of gratitude, reflecting Musk’s belief in giving back, though some speculated it might also serve to bolster his public image amid his controversial role co-heading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under President Trump.
The event’s timing, coinciding with Father’s Day weekend, added a layered significance. While Musk had celebrated with Lil X the previous day, this gathering shifted focus to mentorship and legacy. Mrs. van der Merwe’s influence on Musk’s early curiosity about physics and coding was evident, with Musk crediting her for instilling a problem-solving mindset. “She saw something in me when I was just a kid getting into trouble,” he said, his tone softening. The reunion also contrasted with his strained relationship with his father, Errol, offering a narrative of chosen family over blood ties.
Social media buzzed with reactions, particularly on X, where Musk shared a photo of the cake-cutting, captioned, “Honoring a teacher who changed my life. Happy 90th!” Fans praised the gesture, with comments like “This is the Elon we need to see more of!” and “Proof he’s human after all.” Critics, however, questioned the motives, suggesting it was a calculated move to soften his image during a politically charged year. The lack of media coverage beyond Musk’s post fueled speculation, but attendees insisted the event was genuine, noting the absence of press invitations.
The celebration also highlighted Musk’s complex family dynamics. With 14 children across four women, including Lil X with Grimes and twins with Shivon Zilis, his personal life often overshadows his professional achievements. Mrs. van der Merwe’s warm interaction with Lil X suggested a bridge between Musk’s past and present, while Grimes’ brief acknowledgment on X—“Sweet gesture, Elon”—indicated a thawing in their co-parenting relationship. The event’s privacy, despite Musk’s public persona, hinted at a deliberate effort to shield it from his usual spotlight.
Mrs. van der Merwe’s own story added depth. Now living quietly in a retirement home, she had lost touch with Musk after his move to Canada in 1989. Her surprise at the reunion was palpable, and she shared stories of teaching a young Musk, including his habit of asking “why” incessantly. “He was a handful, but brilliant,” she said, her eyes twinkling. The laughter that followed her tales—about Musk’s early experiments with electronics—created a festive atmosphere, punctuated by the cake’s rich chocolate flavor, a detail Musk insisted on for its nostalgic appeal.
The broader impact of the celebration rippled outward. Local South African educators expressed gratitude for the donation, seeing it as a potential catalyst for reform. Musk’s team hinted at future initiatives, possibly tied to his xAI projects, to honor teachers globally. For Musk, the day offered a respite from his 2025 commitments, including Tesla’s production push and DOGE’s controversial budget cuts. It also served as a personal milestone, reflecting on a teacher who shaped his trajectory during a turbulent youth.
As the afternoon waned, Musk and Mrs. van der Merwe shared a final moment, watching Lil X play with the ball used in a brief game earlier. The image of the billionaire and his former teacher, laughing over a slice of cake, encapsulated a rare blend of gratitude and humility. This surprise celebration, born from a childhood connection, stood as a testament to the enduring influence of education—and a reminder that even the world’s most ambitious minds cherish their roots. As guests departed, the echoes of laughter lingered, leaving a legacy of warmth in Musk’s otherwise futuristic narrative.
