SAMF as NPC was established in 2004 by the two professional societies for mathematics in the country, namely the South African Mathematical Society (SAMS) and the Association for Mathematics Education of South Africa (AMESA).

The South African Mathematics Foundation (SAMF)'s vision is to play a leading role in expanding the base of mathematics excellence in South Africa by:

• contributing towards professional development of mathematics educators;
• promoting the advancement of mathematics through creating awareness of  the importance of mathematics as subject;
• identifying and nurturing of mathematically talented youth towards an innovative landscape in South Africa for science, business, finance and engineering.