AFSA, founded in, 1996,is a joint venture between organized business and the legal and accounting professions. It possesses a wholly owned subsidiary, ADRASA, the Alternative Dispute Resolution Association of South Africa. AFSA is based in Sandton, Johannesburg, and has offices also in Pretoria, Cape Town and Durban.

AFSA fully administers dispute resolution proceedings under two sets of its Rules, the Commercial Rules for complex matters with substantial financial claims, and the Expedited Rules for less intricate disputes. It can also administer proceedings under other sets of Rules, as agreed by the parties. AFSA, in cooperation with the University of Pretoria, also provides a Post-Graduate Diploma Course in Alternative Dispute Resolution. Among other functions, AFSA is also involved in Specialized Prosecutions on behalf of the South African Business Against Crime initiative; is the appointed dispute resolution body to South Africa Sports Commission, the umbrella organization for some 100 sports federations in South Africa; is engaged in ongoing discussions of a common arbitration system with neighboring countries, and is by National Accord the preferred alternative dispute resolution authority of the South African Chamber of Business.

AFSA maintains panels of arbitrators and mediators bound by AFSA Code of Conduct.

The facilities are available for arbitration, mediation, training and conferences and include large rooms accompanied by two caucus rooms each, and small rooms. Also available are:
- Office, communication and presentation toolsas well as catering including:
- Catering services