Lease of TRANSNET trim siding 603341 at hlobane for 10 years

Background: On 1 October 2024, Transnet Freight Rail was vertically separated into TFR (Train Operating division) and Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM) responsible for rail network and sidings portfolio. The sidings portfolio is a strategic enabler for road-to-rail connectivity, economic development, service delivery, and transformation, aligned with the National Rail Policy 2022 and Freight Logistics Roadmap 2023. TRIM is conducting an open market process for leasing sidings to ensure effective utilisation as strategic enablers, unlocking private sector investment for supply chain efficiency and volume growth from road to rail.

General lease terms: Successful bidder must sign TRIM Lease Agreement (Annexure H) as basis for negotiation. Siding leased primarily for storing, loading/offloading rail wagons, and cargo movement to facilitate rail transportation. Dominant purpose must be rail cargo transport. Rail capacity allocated independently via Network Statement slot allocation; lessee must honour existing TRIM slot allocation train paths for third parties/TOCs. Siding leased "as is". Lessee responsible for facility development, securing volumes, and scalability within transport systems. Lessee must conclude/manage contracts with TOCs or cargo owners where relevant. Lessee must adhere to changes in TRIM management policies/procedures upon notice.

Revenue: Monthly rental payable to TRIM plus negotiated percentage of turnover. Failure to agree on turnover percentage allows TRIM to disqualify winner and negotiate with reserve bidder.

Scope: Siding Hlobane (No. 603341), ±95,532 m², coordinates 27°43'30.78"S 30°59'03.49"E. Purpose: consolidation hub and/or container rail terminal. Commodity per slot allocation. 10-year operational lease (excludes mobilisation/construction period). Experience requirements: company and director/shareholder/owner experience in integrated logistics, warehousing, commercial, industrial engineering, supply chain improvement (Annexures Q & R with reference letters). Safety, environment, risk, business continuity: legislative compliance, environmental approvals (NEMA authorisations, air emission licences, Water Use Licences), Environmental Management Plan (Annexure L), Risk Management Plan (Annexures M & N), BCM Plan (Annexure O), Health & Safety Checklist (Annexure P) and OHS Act compliance. Financial capacity: proof of funding, financial viability ratios, audited financials. Concept Operational Model: development, operation, enhancement over 10 years; high-level simulation; project schedule; facility concept design (rail receiving, cargo handling, stockpiling, loading/unloading, circulation, dispatch, cargo flow, stockpiling optimisation).

Issue Date: 27 August 2026

Briefing Session (non-compulsory, online via MS Teams): 07 September 2026 at 11:00 a.m. (link provided on RFP cover page).

Site Visit (non-compulsory, highly recommended, one scheduled visit): 01 October 2026 at 12:00 p.m. Bidders must inform TRIM three days prior via the Site Visit URL.

Final Date for Clarification Questions: 16 November 2026 (online platform closes two weeks before tender close).

Closing Date and Time: 30 November 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

Proposal Validity Period: 180 business days from closing date (expires 20 August 2027).

All enquiries (both bidding procedure and technical/clarification) directed to: TRIM Commercial Secretariat

Email: [email protected]

Clarification Questions online platform: URL provided on RFP cover page ("Clarification Questions").

Site Visit registration URL: provided on RFP cover page ("Site Visit").

Briefing Session MS Teams link: provided on RFP cover page ("Briefing Session").

Submission address: Transnet e-Tender Submission Portal via https://www.transnet.net (electronic submission only).

No individual contact names or telephone numbers are provided in the document.

Submission method: electronic only via the Transnet e-Tender Submission Portal (https://www.transnet.net). Bidders must register on the portal, log an intent, and upload all bid documents against the tender.

Closing date and time: 30 November 2026 at 10:00 a.m. Late bids will not be accepted.

Proposal validity: 180 business days from the closing date (valid until 20 August 2027).

All documents must be signed, stamped, and dated on the bottom of each page by a duly authorised signatory (proof of authority such as a board resolution must be submitted).

Returnable documents (all mandatory unless stated):

• SBD 1 (Invitation to Bid) – completed and signed as the offer cover page.
• SBD 4 (Bidder's Disclosure) – declares any director/shareholder employed by the state or connected to Transnet personnel.
• Section 5 Business Proposal Form and list of required documents.
• Section 6 Certificate of Acquaintance with RFP, Lease Agreement and applicable documents.
• Section 7 RFP Declaration and Breach of Law Form.
• Section 9 Specific Goals Points Claim Form (SBD 6.1 equivalent).
• Annexure A: TRIM Siding/Facility Profile (for information).
• Annexure B: Transnet General Bid Conditions (acknowledged).
• Annexure C: Transnet Bidder Integrity Pact (signed).
• Annexure D: Non-Disclosure Agreement (signed).
• Annexure E: Supplier Declaration Form.
• Annexure F: Returnable Bid Response Checklist.
• Annexure G: SHER Compliance Declaration and Undertaking.
• Annexure H: Lease Agreement (basis for negotiation).
• Annexure I: Rental Offer (pricing).
• Annexure J: Specific Goals.
• Annexure K: Detailed Investment Plan.
• Annexure L: Environmental Plan Requirements.
• Annexure M: Transnet Risk Assessment Methodology (for reference).
• Annexure N: Risk Management Evaluation.
• Annexure O: BCM Guidelines (for reference).
• Annexure P: Health and Safety Checklist.
• Annexure Q: Company Experience Summary (completed per contract with reference letters).
• Annexure R: Individual Experience Summary (per director/shareholder/lead member with CV and reference letter).
• Annexure S: Security Guidelines (for reference).
• Valid B-BBEE certificate (SANAS accredited) or sworn affidavit (EME/QSE).
• Proof of CSD registration (MAAA number) and SARS Tax Compliance Status PIN (or printed TCS certificate).
• Proof of funding (debt/equity confirmation letters, audited financial statements, bank confirmation letters).
• Audited annual financial statements for the last three completed financial years (or independently verified statements with explanation if audit not legally required); management accounts not older than three months if latest audited statements are older than six months.
• For JV/consortium: signed JV/consortium agreement stating percentage split and responsibilities, or written intention to conclude one with indicative split and responsibilities.
• CIPC Disclosure Certificate, Share Register, Shareholding Structure, Register of Equity Partners/Members, Trust Deed, or identity documents as applicable to legal form.

Failure to submit any mandatory returnable document or form may result in disqualification. Unsigned or incomplete forms will disqualify the bid.

Three-stage evaluation:

Stage 1 – Test for Responsiveness: Bids checked for completeness, proper signing, submission of all mandatory returnable documents, tax compliance (CSD/TCS PIN), B-BBEE certificate/affidavit, and adherence to submission instructions. Non-responsive bids are disqualified.

Stage 2 – Functional Evaluation (minimum threshold 70%): Scored on:

• Company experience in integrated logistics planning, operations, warehousing, commercial, industrial engineering, and supply chain improvement (Annexure Q + reference letter). Failure to submit Annexure Q and reference letter scores 0.
• Collective experience of directors/shareholders/owners or JV lead members (CVs, Annexure R, reference letters).
• Concept Operational Model: alignment of investment, design layout, equipment, operational methodology; high-level simulation of volume throughput; operational readiness (environmental approvals); project schedule with milestones and implementation phases.
• Facility Utilisation and Concept Design: allocation of areas for rail receiving, cargo handling, stockpiling, loading/unloading, internal circulation, dispatch; cargo movement flow; optimisation of stockpiling areas.
• Safety, Environment, Risk, Business Continuity: legislative compliance; environmental approvals (authorisations, air emission licences, Water Use Licences per NEMA s.21); Environmental Management Plan per Annexure L; Risk Management Plan per Annexures M & N; Business Continuity Management Plan per Annexure O; Health and Safety Checklist per Annexure P and OHS Act compliance.
• Financial capacity: proof of funding (debt/equity), financial viability ratios (EBITDA, Current Ratio norm 2:1, Solvency Ratio norm 1:1 averaged over three years or available period), audited financial statements, credit risk assessment for deposit/guarantees.

Stage 3 – Price and Preference: Price scored per PPPFA (80/20 or 90/10 as applicable); Specific Goals points claimed via Section 9/Annexure J. Preference points awarded for B-BBEE status and specific goals. Final ranking combines price and preference points.

Siding: Hlobane (Siding Number 603341).

Location: Coordinates 27°43'30.78"S 30°59'03.49"E, KwaZulu-Natal.

Size: ±95,532 m².

Lease tenure: 10-year operational period (excludes mobilisation/establishment/rehabilitation/development/construction period).

Purpose: Develop and operate a consolidation hub and/or container rail terminal to serve industry within the corridor. Dominant use must be for rail cargo transportation (storing, loading/offloading wagons, movement of cargo by lessee or contracted Train Operating Company).

Commodity: As per previous/current rail movement and/or new commodity based on slot allocation.

Rail capacity allocation: Independent process via Network Statement slot allocation; lessee must honour existing TRIM slot allocation train paths for third parties/TOCs.

Condition: Leased "as is". Movable assets on site (park homes, guardhouses, weighbridge) do not form part of the lease.

Lessee responsibilities: Develop facility, secure volumes, obtain all environmental approvals (authorisations, air emission licences, Water Use Licences per NEMA s.21 c, i, h, g), comply with NEMA s.28 and s.30 for environmental management and incident reporting, submit and implement Environmental Management Plan (Annexure L), Risk Management Plan (Annexures M & N), Business Continuity Management Plan (Annexure O), Health and Safety Checklist (Annexure P) and comply with OHS Act, TRIM maintenance standards, and all applicable laws.

Operational model: Concept Operations and Project Delivery Model required demonstrating development, operation, progressive enhancement over 10 years; high-level simulation of volume throughput; project schedule with milestones and implementation phases; facility concept design showing rail receiving, cargo handling, stockpiling, loading/unloading, internal circulation, dispatch areas, cargo flow, and stockpiling optimisation.

Experience requirements: Company experience in integrated logistics, warehousing, commercial, industrial engineering, supply chain improvement (Annexure Q + reference letter). Director/shareholder/owner collective experience (CVs, Annexure R, reference letters). Proof of ownership/shareholding via CIPC Disclosure Certificate, Share Register, Shareholding Structure, Register of Equity Partners/Members, Trust Deed, or identity documents as applicable.

Financial: Monthly rental payable to TRIM plus negotiated percentage of turnover (failure to agree on percentage allows TRIM to disqualify winner and negotiate with reserve bidder). Proof of funding for declared capital investment (debt/equity confirmation letters, audited financials, bank confirmations). Audited financial statements for last three years (or independently verified with explanation); management accounts ≤3 months old if audited statements >6 months old. Key financial ratios: EBITDA, Current Ratio (norm 2:1), Solvency Ratio (norm 1:1) averaged over three years. Credit risk assessment determines deposit/guarantees.

Pricing format: Monthly rental offer (Annexure I) plus negotiated percentage of turnover. All amounts in ZAR (Rand).

Proof of funding: Bidders must provide proof covering declared capital investment commitment. Funding may be debt and/or equity.

• Debt funding: Confirmation letter from institution/individual stating amount and whether committed or conditional; if conditional, written commitment letter stating specific conditions.
• Equity funding (self-funded): Audited/independently verified annual financial statements and bank confirmation letter confirming cash/facility balance.
• Equity funding (partners/holding company): Written confirmation of undertaking to fund, amount available, funder's audited/independently verified financial statements, and bank confirmation letter.

Financial viability evaluation:

• Companies >3 years: Audited annual financial statements for last three completed financial years (or independently verified with explanation); management accounts ≤3 months old if latest audited statements >6 months old. Holding/group statements allowed with parent company consent letter and signed Letter of Financial Support.
• Companies <3 years: Audited/independently verified statements for period operated; management accounts ≤3 months old if latest audited >6 months old.
• Details of pending litigation or insolvency proceedings.
• At contracting: bank confirmation letter, details of funding facilities/working capital, parent company guarantee/financial support undertaking if applicable.

Key financial ratios assessed: EBITDA, Current Ratio = Current Assets/Current Liabilities (norm 2:1), Solvency Ratio = Total Assets/Total Liabilities (norm 1:1). Averaged over three years (or available period). Absence of three-year history does not automatically lower score; projected cashflows may be considered.

Credit risk assessment on winning bidder to determine deposit and guarantees required.

Security: Successful bidder must provide Deed of Suretyship from approved SA bank/insurance/guarantee corporation within 30 calendar days of letter of acceptance; amount stipulated in bid documents. Failure to provide allows Transnet to cancel contract.

Tax compliance: Valid SARS TCS PIN or CSD registration (MAAA number) required for each JV/consortium/sub-contractor party. Must remain tax compliant for entire lease term.

B-BBEE: Valid SANAS-accredited certificate or sworn affidavit (EME/QSE). Successful bidders encouraged to improve B-BBEE annually.

Mandatory compliance items:

• CSD registration (MAAA number) and valid SARS Tax Compliance Status PIN (or printed TCS certificate) for bidder and each JV/consortium/sub-contractor party.
• B-BBEE: Valid certificate from SANAS-accredited agency (Large/QSE) or sworn affidavit (EME/QSE) with Commissioner of Oaths attestation; CIPC certificate acceptable for EME turnover/ownership confirmation.
• No bids from persons in service of the state, companies with directors who are state employees, or close corporations with members who are state employees.
• Signed SBD 1 (Invitation to Bid) and SBD 4 (Bidder's Disclosure).
• Signed Transnet Bidder Integrity Pact (Annexure C) and Non-Disclosure Agreement (Annexure D).
• SHER Compliance Declaration and Undertaking (Annexure G).
• Certificate of Acquaintance with RFP, Lease Agreement and applicable documents (Section 6).
• RFP Declaration and Breach of Law Form (Section 7).
• Specific Goals Points Claim Form (Section 9 / Annexure J).
• Proof of funding (debt/equity) and financial statements as detailed in financialRequirements.
• Company Experience Summary (Annexure Q) with reference letter(s) on client letterhead, signed by authorised representative, management-level contact details.
• Individual Experience Summary (Annexure R) per director/shareholder/lead member with CV and reference letter.
• Proof of ownership/shareholding: CIPC Disclosure Certificate, Share Register, Shareholding Structure, Register of Equity Partners/Members, Trust Deed, or identity documents as applicable.
• Environmental: All approvals, licences, permits (including Water Use Licence per NEMA s.21) obtained before operations; Environmental Management Plan per Annexure L.
• Risk Management Plan per Annexures M & N.
• Business Continuity Management Plan per Annexure O.
• Health and Safety Checklist per Annexure P and OHS Act compliance.
• Compliance with all applicable laws, TRIM maintenance standards, and newly promulgated laws post lease signing.
• JV/consortium: Signed agreement with percentage split and responsibilities, or written intention with indicative split and responsibilities (award only after signed agreement submitted).
• Authority to sign: Board resolution or equivalent proof of signatory authority.
• Foreign bidders: Power of Attorney complying with Rule 63, signed by principal, authorising SA representative to bind bidder and choose domicilium citandi et executandi in SA.

Additional evaluation details from extended sections:

• Functional evaluation minimum threshold: 70%.
• Specific Goals points claimed via Section 9 Specific Goals Points Claim Form and Annexure J.
• Risk Management Evaluation per Annexure N (core elements: business/project risk assessment, risk register, methodology, mitigation strategies/actions).
• Bidders not required to propose technology in every operational area (operations, cargo handling, logistics, safety, security, maintenance, quality).
• Evaluation considers operational readiness (environmental approvals obtained before operations).
• TRIM reserves right to review and adjust operational plan times during contract negotiations if not feasible.
• Due diligence may be performed to authenticate company or individual experience.
• Material changes in ownership/directorship/management/JV participation during lease term must be disclosed and approved in writing; TRIM may require replacement of similar calibre for continuity.