 Formed in 1879 with the purpose of removing British power and influence from South Africa, under Hofmeyr's leadership it lost its anti-British animus.Hofmeyr shared Rhodes's vision of unity and led his party in support of Rhodes.In order to maintain the support of the Bond membership, Rhodes agreed concessions with Hofmeyr; Rhodes introduced legislation to provide legal equality between the English and Dutch languages, and the imposition of mild tariffs on agricultural produce, gaining him the goodwill of the Cape Afrikaners, the majority of whom were farmers.