The Jazz Foundation of South Africa is an organization dedicated to the creation, presentation and preservation of local Jazz and other related creative music. Individuals who realised the glaring need for an appreciation of Jazz formed the Jazz Foundation in April 1983. The rationale behind the organisation's existence is the glaring evidence of commercial as well as parastatal structures prejudices against Jazz. The recording industry did not see or make it easy for jazz as a type or stream of music as well. The motivating belief behind the Foundation is that Jazz should not be allowed to operate from the fringes, it is too meaningful to be marginalised.

The Foundation's existence was necessitated by the general apathy and lack of concern and support for such music. The word jazz elicits all sorts of responses ranging from absolute appreciation to disgusting rile, nevertheless, you cannot ignore it. The Foundation is mindful that through the years, television, radio and to some extent the recording companies have shown a continued and systematic negative bias towards jazz and other creative genres. This tends to reinforce the amount of denial facing this type of music, leaving our artists with no option but to find self-wasting comfort in the kind of music that affords them the fortune and fame to the debasement of their creative aptitudes, which are left to idle. To fulfil our mission, the Foundation will engage itself in the following areas:

• The jazz performing sphere

• Research, Resource and Publishing Centre

• Heritage preservation

• Provide support for innovations in jazz

• Promote the development of new audiences and consumer markets for Jazz and increase employment opportunities in the industry

• Establish a music academy to teach children the rudiments of such music and general instruments playing.

Vision
The JAZZ FOUNDATION shall continue to be the market leader in the creation, presentation and preservation of jazz and creative music and is based on the belief that jazz is the integral part of our culture

Mission
We are committed to facilitating the development and enhancement of public awareness on the importance of Jazz as an African art form by providing a supportive structure to our Jazz musicians. We are committed to the provision of the highest possible commitment and standard presentation of Jazz as an art form. In pursuit of our Vision and Mission we shall;
1. Gather and disseminate information with the aim of enhancing the status and support of local jazz, encompassing Afro-Jazz
2. Conduct research and share information with relevant bodies
3. Organize regular jazz events per calender year
4. To document and film live performances for posterity (e.g Jazz Publication)
5. Create jazz awards and build shrines

Our Values:
Professionalism Both as an organisation and as individuals we strive to perform our duties to the highest possible commitment and standards
Co-operation We strive to be helpful, flexible and to make a positive contribution, collaborating with other relevant bodies
Our belief We shall embark on a broader program to meet and satisfy our founding obligations for the betterment of our local jazz scene