The FMF was established in the mid-1970s at a time when the Vorster government was steadily increasing intervention in the economy in preparation for the expected "total onslaught" against apartheid. Determined to achieve national "self-sufficiency" at all costs, the government sacrificed economics to ideology and did untold damage to the economy. We are still paying a heavy price for these policies.

Protectionism, inflation, bureaucracy, relentless enforcement of racial discrimination and the siege economy all escalated during this era. Though virulently anti-communist, the Nationalist government’s policy of depriving blacks of private property rights, civil rights and economic freedom was socialist in the extreme.

Against this unpromising background the FMF was founded to promote economic freedom. Since then, the changes in the politics and laws of the country have been remarkable.

The Free Market Foundation is proud of the important contribution it has made to the increased freedom we all enjoy today