ANFASA was formed as a national association especially for authors of general non-fiction works, textbooks and academic works, but it does not exclude authors of fictional works from membership. Many authors of fiction write non-fiction as well, and vice versa. ANFASA’s programmes, and its objectives, apply broadly to all authors. ANFASA is dedicated to defending their intellectual property rights, to promoting their works and to sharing information and offering advice and expertise on writing and publishing.

ANFASA’s vision is to be a member-driven association to uphold and enhance the profile and status of authors in South Africa, through advocating for the recognition of their works and protection of their rights, in collaboration and cooperation with other stakeholders in the book value chain such as publishers, booksellers and libraries.