Integrated communication, marketing & events planning services – eastern seaboard development programme (24 months)

Closing date: 28 August 2026 at 11:00am.

Compulsory briefing session: 14 August 2026 at 10:00am, hybrid (physical at 1303 Heuwel Avenue, Centurion, Riverside Office Park, Letaba House, First floor; Microsoft Teams meeting ID 319 116 496 460 686, passcode Qz3pg9BK).

Contact person: Ms. Mandy Batyi. Phone: 012-848 5300. Address: Private Bag X105, Centurion, 0046.

Returnable documents:

• SBD 4 (Declaration of Interest): discloses any connection between bidder's directors/shareholders and the state or procuring institution.
• SBD 6.1 (Preference Points Claim): claims B-BBEE points; failure to complete forfeits specific goals points.
• SBD 9 (Certificate of Independent Bid Determination): certifies no collusion or price disclosure.
• CSD registration report, tax status verification PIN, B-BBEE certificate or sworn affidavit, and detailed company profile.
• Pricing schedule and form of offer must not contain correction fluid; corrections must be struck through and initialled.
• Joint ventures must submit a signed Joint Venture Agreement with a directors' resolution authorising a signatory.
• Subsidiaries must submit audited proof of the holding company agreement.
• Bids must be submitted by the closing time; late submissions are disqualified.

Evaluation in three stages:

1. Mandatory requirements: key personnel meet minimum qualifications, three reference letters (each project min R5 million), JV/subsidiary documentation, pricing schedule integrity.
2. Functionality (100 points): company experience (30), project leader (20), media strategist/brand manager (10), creative writer (10), photographer (10), graphic designer (10), events planner (10). Minimum threshold of 70 points to proceed.
3. Price and specific goals (80/20 system): price 80 points, specific goals 20 points (women 7, youth 7, B-BBEE level 1-2 QSE/EME 6). Proof required: full CSD report for women/youth, valid B-BBEE certificate or sworn affidavit.

Scope: Develop and implement an integrated Communication, Marketing and Branding Strategy for the Eastern Seaboard Development (ESD) Programme over 24 months.

Key deliverables:

• Communication, Marketing and Branding Strategy (including situational analysis, stakeholder engagement plan, media engagement plan, crisis communication plan).
• Investment Strategy (investment prospectus, pitch decks, investor engagement plan).
• Two annual Investment Summits (two-day events, 550 pax main conference, 300 pax gala dinner, 150 pax golf day).
• Brand and Corporate Identity Framework (logo design, trademark registration, corporate identity manual).
• Branded material: pamphlets, booklets, posters, folders, banners, corporate gifts.
• Content management: website (www.easternseaboard.gov.za), social media, photography, videography.
• Support for engagements: 12 ministerial, 8 district imbizos, 6 annual summits, 20 community outreach.
• Use at least three languages spoken in the region, including English.

Timeframes: Indicative delivery schedule from appointment; e.g., strategy in 6-8 weeks, investment strategy in 8-9 weeks, summit preparation 4-12 weeks before event, branded material 16-20 weeks.

The strategy must include a strategic framework outlining methodology, approach, tools and processes. It must include a situational analysis, stakeholder engagement plan, media engagement plan, and crisis communication plan. The investment strategy must include an investment prospectus, pitch decks, and investor engagement plan. The service provider must manage the ESD website and social media, and produce high-resolution photography and videography.

Company experience: minimum three reference letters for completed projects in communication, marketing, branding and event planning, each project min R5 million, on client letterhead with contactable details.

Key personnel requirements:

• Project Leader: Bachelor's degree (NQF 7) in relevant field, min 10 years' experience post qualification.
• Media Strategist/Brand Manager: National Diploma (NQF 6) in relevant field, min 7 years' experience.
• Creative Writer: National Diploma (NQF 6) in relevant field, min 7 years' experience.
• Photographer: Certificate (NQF 5) in photography/videography, min 7 years' experience, portfolio required.
• Graphic Designer: Certificate (NQF 5) in graphic design, min 7 years' experience, portfolio required.
• Events Planner: Certificate (NQF 5) in marketing/PR/events, min 7 years' experience.

Quality assurance framework required as part of the strategy, outlining approval processes, content management procedures, quality control standards, and monitoring and evaluation. For photographer and graphic designer, portfolios of work are required for points; missing portfolio results in zero points for that criterion.

Pricing schedule must be completed as per Section 12 of the document. No correction fluid on pricing schedule or form of offer; corrections must be initialled. The 80/20 preference point system applies (price 80 points, specific goals 20 points). No other financial requirements stated.

Mandatory:

• Key personnel must meet minimum qualifications and experience (see technical specifications).
• Three reference letters for completed projects, each min R5 million, on client letterhead.
• Joint Venture Agreement (if applicable) with directors' resolution.
• Audited proof of subsidiary agreement (if applicable).

Non-mandatory but required for points:

• CSD registration report.
• Tax status verification PIN.
• B-BBEE certificate or sworn affidavit.
• SBD 6.1 (Preference Points Claim).
• Detailed company profile.

Specific goals under the 80/20 system: women (7 points), youth (7 points), B-BBEE level 1-2 QSE/EME (6 points). Proof required: full CSD report for women/youth, valid B-BBEE certificate or sworn affidavit (consolidated for JVs). Failure to submit proof means points not claimed.