Rex van Schalkwyk does not speak for Free Market Foundation

13 July 2021

This is a statement I hoped I would never have to make. However, as  Chairman of the Free Market Foundation (FMF), chairman of Achib, previously President of Nafcoc, the BBC and other leading mainly black associations, I distance myself and the FMF from the statement made by Rex van Schalkwyk on the jailing of former President Jacob Zuma, which purports to represent the FMF.

Sadly, this is a reflection on internal strife in the FMF family. I have kept my dignified silence for nine months in the hope the FMF’s internal problems would be solved. Family matters should be dealt with in the family. I am sad to say that this has not happened. My conscience forces me to break my silence and respond to the politically inflammatory statements which Mr van Schalkwyk associates with our politically neutral economic policy think tank.

Schalkwyk speaks for himself and not the FMF or its members when he calls former president Zuma, who was convicted of a minor offence, a tyrant, oppressor and miscreant whose “predatory presidency” caused incalculable “deprivation”. While many may agree with his personal opinions, that is not the point. It is unworthy of 50 years of independence and thought leadership, which led the FMF to greatness under the leadership of founder, Leon Louw. We have never let personal opinions appear as FMF policy.

The FMF promotes good policies developed to encourage the government to do the best it can. We promote good policies without attacking parties or people. A former judge should not presume anyone guilty of unproven crimes. We believe in the rule of law and presume everyone innocent until proven guilty. We do not promote personal agendas. This is not why we exist.

As FMF Chairman, I defend our independence, reputation and values. I distance myself and the FMF from this unfortunate statement. It damages our noble cause and tradition.

The FMF has always been and must remain politically neutral and independent from extreme organisations. Our role is to help the government and all parties to adopt policies for our young democracy to take its place with winning nations. For 50 years we have given the government our support, not our condemnation, when it does good. This is why members and funders support us. We are not anti-government; we are for the people of South Africa.

Issued by Lawrence Mavundla, FMF Chairman, 13 July 2021