Invitation to Bid for the Public Private Partnership (PPP) operation and management of the Golden Gate Highland National Park Basotho Village (GGHNP)

Returnable Documents:

NB: No award will be made following the RFI process; however the subsequent request for proposal (RFP) may be restricted to those who responded to the RFI. BRIEFING SESSION (Non-Compulsory) A non-compulsory briefing session via Microsoft teams will be organized and a link will be made available.* Date: 23 January 2026 Time: 10am Venue: Microsoft teams RFI: Request for Information: Golden Gate Basotho Village Registration: banele.malie@sanparks.org no later than 21 January 2026 NB: Details of the site due diligence visits and bid close date shall be discussed during the briefing session 6. SPECIAL CONDITIONS FOR REQUEST FOR INFORMATION All creation, sourcing, integration, exchange and collaboration on content generation will be governed by strict Intellectual Property (IP) agreement as well as the SANParks.org Privacy Notice and Terms and Conditions. 8. STANDARD CONDITIONS FOR REQUEST FOR INFORMATION To be read very carefully by bidder 8.1 INTERPRETATION AND DEFINITIONS 8.1.1 Definitions: The expressions defined below shall have the meanings hereby assigned to them unless inconsistent with the context of a particular proposal, agreement, contract or order. 8.1.2 “Company”: South African National Parks 8.1.3 “Closing date”: the date and hour specified in the document 8.2 REQUEST FOR INFORMATION INVITATION 8.2.1 Request for Information Preparation RFI: Request for Information: Golden Gate Basotho Village All costs in the preparation, presentation and demonstration will be for the account of the service provider. SANParks will not compensate the service provider for any such costs, expenses, or losses, regardless of the outcome of the request for information. All supporting documentation and manuals submitted in response to this request for information will become “company’s” property unless otherwise stated by the service provider at the time of submission. 8.2.2 Confidentiality The information obtained through this request for information will be regarded as confidential; however, South African National does not accept liability for any information which may become public. 8.2.3 No binding Agreement It must be clearly understood that no business will be awarded to any service provider out of this request for information. Prices submitted with the request for information are for information purposes only and no service provider will be held to any price submitted. South African National Parks further reserves the right to contact individual service providers to obtain further information should this be deemed necessary. 8.2.4 Samples Service providers may, as part of their response, submit app samples, brochures or documentation of the products supplied by the service provider. RFI: Request for Information: Golden Gate Basotho Village 8.3 REQUEST FOR INFORMATION DOCUMENTS 8.3.1 Document requiring completion and return Service provider must complete and submit the following documents as part of their response: a) Prescribed request for information documents b) Any information required in the request for information 8.3.2 Amendment of documents by South African National parks South African National Parks may, at any time prior to the deadline for lodging request for information, amend the documents or extend the time for lodging documents by notice in writing to the prospective service providers. (Any amendments under this clause will become part of the request for information). 8.4 PREPARATION OF REQUEST FOR INFORMATION 8.4.1 Language of document The request for information and all correspondence and documents related to the request for information exchanged by the service provider and South African National Parks shall be written in English. 8.5 SUBMISSION OF REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION RFI: Request for Information: Golden Gate Basotho Village 8.5.1 Address and marking of requests for information All requests for information must be: a) Enclosed in a plain envelope or wrapping and clearly marked with the request of information number specified on the document. b) Lodged to ensure that they are received not later than the closing time and date specified for their receipt in accordance with directives issued with the document. 8.5.2 Number of copies required The service provider must submit one (1) hard copy and one (1) memory stick. All request for information submitted at the incorrect location will be disqualified. 8.5.3 Closing date All requests for information received after the closing date and the time will not be accepted and will be considered as late. South African National Parks may, at its discretion, refuse to consider any late request for information. ANNEXURE B SBD 4 - BIDDER’S DISCLOSURE 1. PURPOSE OF THE FORM Any person (natural or juristic) may make an offer or offers in terms of this invitation to bid. In line with the principles of transparency, accountability, impartiality, and ethics as enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and further RFI: Request for Information: Golden Gate Basotho Village expressed in various pieces of legislation, it is required for the bidder to make this declaration in respect of the details required hereunder. Where a person/s are listed in the Register for Tender Defaulters and / or the List of Restricted Suppliers, that person will automatically be disqualified from the bid process. 2. BIDDER’S DECLARATION 2.1 Is the bidder, or any of its directors / trustees / shareholders / members / partners or any person having a controlling interest1 in the enterprise, employed by the state? YES/NO 2.1.1 If so, furnish particulars of the names, individual identity numbers, and, if applicable, state employee numbers of sole proprietor/ directors / trustees / shareholders / members/ partners or any person having a controlling interest in the enterprise, in table below. Full Name Identity Number Name of State institution 1 the power, by one person or a group of persons holding the majority of the equity of an enterprise, alternatively, the person/s having the deciding vote or power to influence or to direct the course and decisions of the enterprise. RFI: Request for Information: Golden Gate Basotho Village 2.2 Do you, or any person connected with the bidder, have a relationship with any person who is employed by the procuring institution? YES/NO 2.2.1 If so, furnish particulars: ................................................................................................ ................................................................................................ 2.3 Does the bidder or any of its directors / trustees / shareholders / members / partners or any person having a controlling interest in the enterprise have any interest in any other related enterprise whether or not they are bidding for this contract? YES/NO 2.3.1 If so, furnish particulars: ........................................................................................ ........................................................................................

South African National Parks (SANParks) is a public entity functioning under National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act (Act ); with the mandate to conserve; protect; control; and manage national parks and other defined protected areas and their biological diversity (Biodiversity). As a public entity, SANParks is also governed by the Public Finance Management Act, Act (as amended by Act ), and it is listed as Schedule 3 Part A: 25 public entities. SANParks’ operations are totally guided by its vision statement and mission statement. As a public entity, the organization is committed to acting in pursuance of the transformation of South Africa’s society in support of entrenching South Africa’s democracy. In this regard, the organization has adopted a transformation mission to guide its efforts accordingly. Vision A world class system of sustainable National Park reconnecting and inspiring society. Mission Develop, protect, expand, manage and promote a system of national parks that represents natural and cultural heritage assets, through innovation, excellence, responsible tourism and just socio-economic benefit for current and future generations. RFI: Request for Information: Golden Gate Basotho Village 1.1 The Request for Information (RFI) 1.1.1 Introduction and Background As part of our strategic review of the Golden Gate Basotho Village and following up of a site visit conducted, it has become evident that the current operational model is unsustainable, with the Basotho village operating at a loss and facing ongoing maintenance challenges. Despite its exceptional location within the Golden Gate Highlands National Park and its unique status as SANParks’ only cultural village with accommodation units in the Free State, the property struggles to compete with nearby establishments and fully capitalize on its eco-tourism potential. To address this, we recommend exploring a Public Private Partnership (PPP) by issuing the Request for Information (RFI) to professional Hospitality and Accommodation Providers, inclusive of (Lodges, Bed and Breakfast, Air B&Bs) etc to obtain valuable information to prepare a Request for Proposal from interested service providers. The goal is to identify potential partners with the expertise to manage and operate the Basotho Village efficiently, enhance profitability, and improve the overall guest experience. This RFI will serve as a preliminary step to gauge interest and gather critical information on potential service providers' capabilities, track records, and capital investment plans required for this initiative. Identifying credible service providers with a proven track record and the necessary financial stability is vital to ensure the success of this partnership. Based on the responses, we will shortlist candidates and proceed with a detailed Request for Proposal (RFP) process. This approach aims to leverage external expertise to transform the Golden Gate Basotho Village into a premier destination, ensuring its long-term sustainability and success. There is a need for an informed strategic shift required to leverage external expertise while RFI: Request for Information: Golden Gate Basotho Village preserving the Basotho village’s alignment with SANParks’ conservation and community objectives. To address these challenges and reposition the Basotho Village as a flagship eco-tourism destination, SANParks proposes a phased Public-Private Partnership (PPP) approach. The first step in this process is to issue an Request for information (RFI) to professional accommodation and hospitality service providers to gather factual information to prepare a comprehensive request for proposal should the outcome of the RFI is viable. 1.2 Purpose of the RFI 1.2.1 Gauge Market Interest: Identify reputable hospitality and accommodation providers with experience in eco-tourism and PPPs. Gather critical information on operational models, investment capacity, and service delivery capabilities. 1.2.2 Assess Capabilities: Evaluate potential partners’ financial stability, track record, and alignment with SANParks’ values. 1.2.3 Inform RFP Development: Inform the development of a detailed Request for Proposal (RFP) that aligns with SANParks’ conservation, tourism, and community engagement objectives. Gather insights on innovative operational models, investment commitments, and community engagement plans. 2. Current Operational Model and Challenges 2.1 The operations and challenges of the current model are (but are not limited to): RFI: Request for Information: Golden Gate Basotho Village I. Financial Unsustainability: The Basotho Village operates at a loss, with low occupancy exacerbated by ongoing renovations. II. Operational Inefficiencies: Outdated infrastructure of 26 units (rooms), inconsistent service standards, and underutilized amenities. III. Strategic Misalignment: Outsourcing core operations without due diligence risks compromising SANParks’ conservation and community goals. 3. Media and Brief Financial Summary 3.1 Financial History - Rondawel HK 2 – R 1,078.00 for two guests – 1 double bed (12 units available) - Rondawel HKD 4 – R 1,078.00 for two guests – 1 double, 1 bunk (10 units available) - Rondawel HKD4Z – R 1,078.00 for two guests – 1 double bed (2 units available 3.2 Basotho Cultural Village Rest Camp has total of 24x Rondavels: RFI: Request for Information: Golden Gate Basotho Village - 12x with 1 x double - 10x with 1 x double and 1 bunk beds - 2 x with 1 x double and 1 bunk beds (Universal Access): 3.2 All Units have the following features: - All the kraals have communal Braai Lapas - Verandas Reception Area x1 - BCV 2 Bedroom staff House RFI: Request for Information: Golden Gate Basotho Village 4. Strategic Rationale 4.1 Issuing RFI is a prudent and strategic step that allows SANParks to: I. Avoid premature outsourcing decisions that may undervalue the asset. II. Retain control over core operations while improving non-core services. III. Ensure alignment with SANParks’ long-term vision for sustainable tourism. IV. Build a foundation for a transparent, competitive, and well-informed RFP process. 3.2 The Golden Gate Basotho Village holds immense potential to become a premier eco-tourism and hospitality destination, especially with the launch of the Golden Gate Dinosaur Interpretation Centre (IC). To unlock this value, SANParks must leverage external expertise through a carefully managed PPP approach. Issuing an Request for information (RFI) is the first step in this journey one that ensures strategic alignment, operational excellence, and long-term sustainability. The RFI will serve as a preliminary step to gather critical information for a subsequent Request for Proposal (RFP), ensuring a competitive and transparent process to identify the best partner for a Public-Private Partnership (PPP). 4. RECOMMENDATIONS 4.1 As part of our strategic review of the Golden Gate Basotho Village, it has become evident that the current operational model is unsustainable, with the Basotho village operating at a loss and facing ongoing maintenance challenges. To address this, we recommend exploring a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) by issuing an Request for information (RFI) to Hospitality and Accommodation service providers. This RFI will gather critical information to prepare a targeted Request for Proposal (RFP), ensuring we identify partners with the expertise to: RFI: Request for Information: Golden Gate Basotho Village I. Optimize operational efficiency and profitability, Operational experience in the accommodation and hospitality management. II. Invest in infrastructure upgrades (e.g., room modernization, wellness facilities), Financial stability and investment capacity and bringing Innovative proposals for enhancing guest experience and revenue generation III. Enhance guest experiences through eco-tourism and cultural offerings and alignment with eco-tourism and conservation principles IV. Align with SANParks’ conservation and community development goals, Commitment to local employment and skills transfer. V. Right to request, at any time, additional information or documentation from the service provider. 5. KEY COMPONENTS AND SCOPE OF THE RFI 5.1 The service provider will submit a detailed, suitable research response that will reflect the following: 1. Hospitality Service Management: Front desk, housekeeping, reservations and guest experience 2. Facility Service Management: Upkeep and maintenance of the infrastructure. 3. Ancillary Services: Wellness facilities, guided tours, and adventure activities (optional). 5.2 Interested providers will submit information including but not limited to: 1. Company Profile: History, size, and relevant experience (e.g., eco- lodges, national park partnerships). 2. Financial Statements: Proof of financial capacity to invest and operate sustainably. RFI: Request for Information: Golden Gate Basotho Village 3. Track Record: Case studies of similar projects, including occupancy improvements and community impact. 4. Proposed Model: Outline of operational approach, capital investment plans, revenue generation and PPP fees and alignment with SANParks’ conservation ethos. 6. SANPARKS INTENT FOR THE REQUEST OF INFORMATION I. To establish the feasibility of initiating the project. II. To establish the supplier market and the respective capabilities to meet the requirements set out above. III. To establish the potential costs of such a service. IV. To establish the best business for revenue generation. V. To assess risks involved, including security, auditing, legal and financial. VI. To establish the current best technologies utilized in the industry. VII. To collect, study and evaluate information that will provide SANParks the best updated knowledge regarding the possibility to appoint a service provider; and compile the criteria necessary for a successful implementation of this venture. VIII. To consider the most appropriate way to structure an informed, focused PPP arrangement.

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