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FMF NEWSLETTER 28 SEPTEMBER 2017
EDITORIAL
Dear friend of the FMF
In this week’s feature article, Richard Grant examines the latest data in the 2017 Economic Freedom of the World Index (EFW). The EFW report is based on five broad areas: 1) Size of Government; 2) Legal System and Property Rights; 3) Sound Money; 4) Freedom to Trade Internationally; 5) Regulation. The report is compiled from sources which include the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, World Economic Forum, and the United Nations National Accounts. The 2017 report includes a new measure, the Gender Inequality Index. Countries which rank higher on the index (i.e. enjoy more freedom in various aspects) perform demonstrably better economically than those with more government control. Thirteen African countries and various former Communist countries now rank higher than South Africa – their willingness to free their people has seen a real increase in quality of life in those countries.
For each resident of a society, increased uncertainty about the social and political constraints under which one lives will reduce one’s ability to make wise choices in the present and to plan for the future. When a government increases its role in the lives of those who live within its jurisdiction, the complexity of the government’s structure and its relationship with its residents will also increase. Some elements of that relationship might reduce uncertainty in several aspects of life. This is both true and beneficial when the government limits itself to the application of the rule of law in the protection of its citizens’ lives, liberty, and property. But when a government’s role grows beyond what is necessary to protect these essentials, the overall effect is increasingly to limit freedom of action and to impose greater uncertainty on a citizen’s pursuit of a livelihood.
Wednesday, 25 October (non-FMF event)Agbiz information day, Paarl, Western Cape | Current challenges in policy and legislation environment and opportunities in the agribusiness sector. RSVP before 25 September 2017 by clicking HERE
27-29 October Libsem Wakkerstroom(non-FMF event) This year’s libertarian seminar will be held at Papillon in Wakkerstroom from 27-29 October. The registration which includes 3 lunches, teas and coffees is R450 per person. For more information, please contact Frances Kendall on fkendall@icloud.com
All individuals and companies can donate and deduct a maximum of 10% of their taxable incomes to Section 18A approved Public Benefit Organisations. The minimum annual payment we require is R250. All payments of R250 or more will be treated as a donation for which you will receive a Section 18A certificate for SARS.