South Africa: Monetary freedom

The latest value from 2026 is 75.8 points, an increase from 74.5 points in 2025. In comparison, the world average is 69.93 points, based on data from 180 countries. Historically, the average for South Africa from 1995 to 2026 is 76.33 points. The minimum value, 70.2 points, was reached in 2010 while the maximum of 83.7 points was recorded in 2006. See the global rankings or world map for that indicator or use the country comparator to compare trends over time.

The Monetary Freedom index for South Africa from The Heritage Foundation reflects the stability of prices in South Africa and the use of price controls by the government. Price stability with minimal price controls is the ideal state for the free market.

Definition: The score for the Monetary freedom index is based on two factors: the weighted average inflation rate for the most recent three years and price controls. Higher index values denote price stability without microeconomic intervention.