RFI 003/2026: solutions for forestry thinning operations (SAFCOL)

Enquiries contact:

• Name: Lungile Moeketsi
• Email: [email protected]
• Enquiries must be submitted on or before 02 November 2026 at 16:00.

Submission email: [email protected]

Submission method: email, PDF format only.

Submission email: [email protected]

Closing time: 06 November 2026 at 12:00.

Responses must be properly indexed, legible, complete and openable.

Late responses may, at SAFCOL's discretion, not be considered.

All correspondence and documentation must be in English.

Responses must include an executive summary and the scope of information requested.

Returnable forms:

• Annexure A (Service Provider Response Form): complete all sections, tick applicable options, attach supporting documents, and sign the declaration.
• B-BBEE and Supplier Demographic Profile: provide B-BBEE status level, ownership percentages (black, black women, black youth, persons with disabilities), local content/South African ownership, and supporting documentation.
• Company profile.
• Client references for thinning operations delivered within the last 15 years.

This is an information-gathering exercise only; no evaluation, scoring, pre-qualification or preference points apply.

Responses will be used to understand market capabilities and inform future procurement planning.

Respondents must indicate whether they are an established South African thinning service provider or an emerging provider/start-up, and their type (service provider, dealer/distributor/agent, manufacturer, new entrant/start-up, or other).

Submission of information confers no preferred supplier, approved supplier or pre-qualification status.

SAFCOL seeks information on technologies, equipment, services, methodologies and supplier capabilities for forestry thinning operations under various terrain conditions.

Terrain categories and slope ranges:

• Mechanised, ground-based skidder and/or tractor thinning: 0% – 30% and 30% – 40%
• Manual preparation thinning for forwarders: 0% – 30% and 30% – 40%
• Difficult-terrain thinning: 40% and above (primarily steep slopes; some volumes on 30% – 40% slopes)

Existing thinning systems: cut-to-length mechanised, motor-manual ground-based tractor, and manual preparation for forwarders.

Current challenges: fluctuating markets, procurement processes, increasing difficult-terrain volume, exchange rate and equipment costs.

Strategic objectives: business growth, customer centricity, operational excellence, future-fit organisation, financial sustainability, responsible forest management.

Scope of work includes:

• Market analysis: identify established and emerging service providers and available equipment/technologies for mechanised, ground-based, manual prep and difficult-terrain thinning.
• Industry benchmarking: productivity (m3/hour, m3/day, m3/shift) and operating costs (R/m3).
• Commercial and compliance review: proposed pricing for various thinning systems and availability of leasing/rental equipment.

Information requested:

• Organisational info: whether established or emerging provider, company profile.
• Thinning experience: number of projects completed in last 15 years, current similar projects, client references not older than 15 years.
• Functional and technical: list all available equipment and technologies (e.g., mechanised, ground-based cable skidder/tractor, manual prep, hand roll, shovel yarders, grapple shovel yarders, cable yarding, winch-assisted, tethered machines, other).
• Performance: productivity metrics and safety management programme.
• Pricing: indicative R/m3 for thinning systems and R/machine hour for leasing/rental.

Questions for respondents: describe solution, differentiators, experience, and recommended implementation methodology.

Plantation locations: 15 plantations across KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Limpopo (e.g., Ngome, Roburnia, Jessievale, Belfast, Berlin, Nelshoogte, Uitsoek, Bergvliet, Brooklands, Witklip, Tweefontein, Blyde, Wilgeboom, Woodbush, Entabeni).

Average annual thinning volumes (next five years): total 372,146 m3/year, split by slope: 0-30%: 306,088 m3; 30-40%: 35,365 m3; 40%+: 30,692 m3.

Tree size information: average tree volume 0.167 m3 (max 0.444 m3), average DBH 20.1 cm (max 28.3 cm). Volumes are indicative and not guaranteed.

Pricing information is indicative only, for planning purposes.

Provide R/m3 for thinning systems.

Provide R/machine hour for leasing/rental of thinning equipment (without diesel).

No bid security, bonds, guarantees, retention or payment terms are specified, as this is an RFI.

CSD supplier number required in the response form.

B-BBEE status level and supporting documentation (valid B-BBEE certificate, sworn affidavit, or applicable verification document) required for market research only; no preference points are allocated.

Ownership percentages (black, black women, black youth, persons with disabilities) and local content/South African ownership to be provided with supporting documentation.

No CIDB grading, tax clearance, or other pre-qualification requirements are stated.