Concession to invest, upgrade, operate and manage the mariepskop resort facilities in blyde river canyon nature reserve

Closing

• 18 November 2026 at 11:00.

Site due diligence

• Non-compulsory; bidders arrange and fund their own visits.
• Book through Ms Zandile Mkhatshwa at [email protected].

Bid validity

• 90 days from the advert closing date.
• All information in the bid must remain valid for 90 business days from the bid date.

No compulsory briefing session or site visit is stipulated.

SCM and bidding procedure enquiries

• Contact: Priscilla Gwebu
• Role: Supply Chain Management
• Email: [email protected]
• Telephone: 013 065 0639

Technical enquiries

• Contact: Tekani Shilenge
• Email: [email protected]
• Telephone: 013 065 0631

Site due diligence bookings

• Contact: Zandile Mkhatshwa
• Email: [email protected]

Submission address

Supply Chain Management Unit

Procurement Office

Halls' Gateway, Mataffin

MTPA Finance Block E

Mbombela, 1200

Proposals address

Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency

N4 National Road, Hall's Gateway

Mbombela, 1200

Attention: Senior Manager Supply Management, Office of the CFO

Bidders may not contact any other MTPA staff about this bid.

Submission method

• Deliver the bid by hand to the MTPA Supply Chain Management Unit before the closing time; late bids are not accepted for consideration.
• Bids must be submitted on the official forms provided and may not be retyped.
• All bids and related correspondence must be in English.
• Bids are opened by MTPA staff.

Submission address

Supply Chain Management Unit

Procurement Office

Halls' Gateway, Mataffin

MTPA Finance Block E

Mbombela, 1200

Proposals address

Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency

N4 National Road, Hall's Gateway

Mbombela, 1200

Attention: Senior Manager Supply Management, Office of the CFO

Closing

• 18 November 2026 at 11:00.
• Tender levy: R300.00.
• Bid validity: 90 days from the advert closing date; all bid information must remain valid for 90 business days from the bid date.

Returnable documents (failure to submit disqualifies the bid)

• Fully completed tender document, duly signed, including all attached SBD forms.
• SBD 1 (Invitation to Bid): bidder and contact details, signed as the offer cover page.
• SBD 4 (Bidder's Disclosure / Declaration of Interest): discloses state employment and relationships with the procuring institution; a false disclosure disqualifies the bid.
• SBD 6.1 (Preference Points Claim Form): claims points for specific goals; unsubstantiated claims score no preference points.
• SBD 7 (Contract Form – Rendering of Services): signed by the successful bidder.
• Proof of authority to sign, such as a company resolution.
• Legal joint venture agreement, where a JV bids.
• Identity documents of owners, directors, members and shareholders.
• Company registration document.
• Shareholders' agreements, share certificates or memorandum of association.
• Valid tax clearance certificate including the SARS PIN.
• Annexure 1 – Information on Bidders.
• Annexure 2 – Financial information.
• Annexure 3 – Business and operational plan.
• Annexure 4 – Development and environmental proposal.
• Annexure 5 – Risk matrix.
• Annexure 6 – Draft fee offer.
• Annexure 7 – Draft concession agreement, marked up with proposed amendments.
• Organograms showing ownership of the bidding entities.
• Tax clearance certificate issued by SARS within six months of the bid date for each South African member of the bidder.

Disqualification risks

• Late delivery.
• Any required document or SBD form omitted or unsigned.
• Submission in a manner other than prescribed.
• Contacting MTPA staff other than the named enquiry officials.
• Incomplete or unclear bids may be disqualified without a request for further information.

Evaluation stages

1. Functionality: weighted 70%, scored out of 100. Minimum qualifying score: 70/100. Bids below the threshold are disqualified and are not considered on price or preference points.
2. Concession fee offer: weighted 80% of the overall bid score.
3. Preference points: 20/10 system for specific goals.

Functionality scorecard (100 points)

• Business plan (20): no plan 0; partial detailed plan 10; project plan 15; fully detailed project plan with timeframes and clear deliverables 20. The plan must include a financial section, capital investment requirements and the resources to set up and sustain the business.
• Financial capability (20): bank or funder letter showing R500 000–R9 999 999 = 5; R10 000 000–R19 999 999 = 10; R20 000 000–R39 999 999 = 15; R45 000 000 and above = 20.
• Company profile and experience (10): no company profile 0; one to five years 5; five years and above 10. Appointment letters, referral letters and copies of previous contracts awarded must be attached.
• Key personnel experience: CVs and qualifications of four management personnel must be attached; scored on years of relevant experience (no experience 0, rising through 1–2, 2–3, 3–4, 4–5 and 5 years and above).
• Safety plan (20): no plan 0; scoring tiers 2 = 8, 3 = 12, 5 = 20, covering the safety plan with proof, environmental management plan, risk management plan and SHEQ.
• Locality (20): resident of South Africa 5; resident of Mpumalanga Province 10; resident of Bushbuckridge Local Municipality 20. Proof of residence is a municipal rates or lease agreement not older than three months.

Concession fee offer

• Price points are calculated against the highest acceptable tender: Ps = 80(1+[(Pt−Pmax)/Pmax]) under the 80% system or Ps = 90(1+[(Pt−Pmax)/Pmax]) under the 90% system, where Pt is the tender price and Pmax the highest acceptable tender.

Preference points for specific goals (20/10)

• Historically disadvantaged by unfair discrimination on the basis of race: 6 points (20 system) / 3 points (10 system).
• Gender (women): 5 / 2.
• Disability: 5 / 3.
• Youth: 4 / 2.
• Ownership must be at least 50 + 1% in a claimed category for points to be allocated.
• Points not claimed with supporting proof are not awarded.

Scope

• Invest in, upgrade, operate and manage the Mariepskop facilities inside the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Bushbuckridge Local Municipality, Mpumalanga.
• MTPA intends to enter into a concession agreement with the appointed operator; the RFP is issued under the Concession Management Framework.

Site

• Mariepskop Mountain, approximately 23 km westerly of the Klaserie–Kampersrus R531 road turnoff.
• Two portions: 2.4 ha at 24°34'32.41"S 30°52'06.26"E and 12 ha at 24°34'48.33"S 30°51'55.85"E.
• The site is in the High Intensity Leisure Zone; development is permitted only within the existing disturbed footprint.
• The reserve falls within unresolved community land claims and is co-managed with four Communal Property Associations: Maorabjang, Moletele, Setlhare and Mahubahuba aBokone.

Existing facility

• Former South African Air Force base, discontinued in the early 1990s.
• Senior staff accommodation: 6 houses and 3 single-quarters apartment complexes.
• Junior ranks and staff accommodation: 16 houses, a single-quarters apartment complex, dining and other halls, kitchen, discussion rooms, offices, swimming pool, tennis courts, tarred and paved road network, helipad, vehicle parking and workshop networks.

Pre-upgrade obligations of the appointed operator

• Value the assets.
• Conduct a feasibility study.
• Carry out a condition assessment of the infrastructure.
• Obtain the old infrastructure designs from the national public works offices.

Services and infrastructure

• Access road exists but is poorly maintained and gradually being tarred; 4x4 vehicles are essential in wet conditions.
• Helicopter access only through a designated flight corridor from the east, with regulated frequency and height restrictions agreed with the South African Civil Aviation Authority.
• Sewage disposal facilities exist but need upgrading.
• Water is available on site; the operator may upgrade supply and is billed monthly for water consumption. A water use licence must be applied for by the developer.
• Refuse removal and disposal are the operator's responsibility, to a registered dumping site.
• Electricity cables were stolen; solar and gas equipment is permitted to reduce dependence on external power.
• Roads inside the reserve and to the camp are not tarred and need constant maintenance.

Possible commercial opportunities

• Hiking trails, accommodation, scenic beauty, mountain biking, quad bikes, 4x4 nature trails and ziplining.

Safety and security

• The operator must meet all legal insurance requirements, particularly public liability and asset cover, and must provide security for the premises.

Environmental constraints

• An environmental impact assessment is required; activities must comply with the Mpumalanga Conservation Act and nature reserve policies and codes of conduct.
• Alien vegetation must be removed on a continuing basis; indigenous vegetation clearing must be appropriate.
• The site is in a malaria area; monkeys, baboons and predators occur and food and waste must be secured.
• Only guided access is permitted to the Maripe plateau, Klaserie River catchment and Three Rondavels–Maripe viewpoints.

Bidder experience

• Minimum 5 years' experience operating a restaurant and in the hospitality industry.
• Minimum 2 years' experience in the tourism industry.
• Examples of similar or related projects must be provided.
• Demonstrated knowledge and expertise in the safety and emergency standards for tourism operations.

Key personnel

• Minimum 5 years' working experience in the tourism sector, particularly hospitality and facility management.
• CVs and qualifications of four management personnel must be attached.

Scorecard evidence

• Company profile and experience (10 points): no profile 0; one to five years 5; five years and above 10. Appointment letters, referral letters and copies of previous contracts awarded must be attached.
• Key personnel experience: scored on years of relevant experience, from no experience (0) through 1–2, 2–3, 3–4, 4–5 to 5 years and above.
• Financial capability (20 points): bank or funder letter showing R500 000–R9 999 999 = 5; R10 000 000–R19 999 999 = 10; R20 000 000–R39 999 999 = 15; R45 000 000 and above = 20.
• Locality (20 points): resident of South Africa 5; Mpumalanga Province 10; Bushbuckridge Local Municipality 20, with proof of residence not older than three months.

Fee offer

• The bidder's fee offer is submitted in the format of Annexure 6 – Draft fee offer.
• The concession fee offer carries 80% of the overall bid score.
• Price points are calculated against the highest acceptable tender: Ps = 80(1+[(Pt−Pmax)/Pmax]) or Ps = 90(1+[(Pt−Pmax)/Pmax]).

Other amounts

• Tender levy: R300.00.
• Water consumption is billed to the operator monthly.
• The operator must carry public liability and asset insurance.
• Bidders bear all bid preparation costs.

Financial capacity

• The bidder's asset value must be at least R45 000 000.00.
• Shareholders' asset value, in proportion to their shareholding, must be sufficient and the shareholders must be solvent.
• Audited financial statements and a letter confirming that the asset value exceeds the stipulated amount and that the shareholders are solvent must be submitted.
• Bidders must show the ability to raise debt and equity and to provide security.
• The functionality scorecard awards up to 20 points for a bank or funder letter showing R45 million and above.

Pricing

• The bidder's fee offer is submitted in the format of Annexure 6 – Draft fee offer.
• The concession fee offer carries 80% of the overall bid score.
• Price points are calculated against the highest acceptable tender.

Other financial obligations

• Tender levy: R300.00.
• Bid validity: 90 days from the advert closing date; bid information valid for 90 business days from the bid date.
• Water consumption is billed monthly to the operator.
• The operator must carry public liability and asset insurance.
• Bidders bear all costs of preparing their bids; MTPA does not compensate bidders.

Registration and tax

• CSD registration number required where no SARS tax compliance status PIN is available.
• Valid SARS tax compliance status PIN or printed TCS certificate.
• Tax clearance certificate issued by SARS within six months of the bid date for each South African member of the bidder.
• In consortia, joint ventures or sub-contracting arrangements, each party must submit its own TCS certificate, PIN or CSD number.
• Bids are not considered from persons in the service of the state, or from companies or close corporations whose directors or members are in the service of the state.

Company documents

• Company registration document, shareholders' agreements, share certificates or memorandum of association.
• Identity documents of owners, directors, members and shareholders.
• Proof of authority to sign, such as a company resolution.
• Legal joint venture agreement where a JV bids.
• Organograms showing ownership of the bidding entities.

Preference points

• Points are claimed for specific goals (race, gender, disability, youth) on the SBD 6.1 form; ownership must be at least 50 + 1% in a claimed category.
• Proof of residence for the locality points: municipal rates or lease agreement not older than three months.
• Claims not supported by proof score no preference points.

Qualification criteria

• Minimum 5 years' experience operating a restaurant and in the hospitality industry.
• Minimum 2 years' experience in the tourism industry.
• Key personnel: minimum 5 years' experience in tourism, particularly hospitality and facility management.
• Demonstrated knowledge of safety and emergency standards for tourism operations.
• Asset value of at least R45 000 000.00 with solvent shareholders.

Forms to complete

• SBD 1 (Invitation to Bid), SBD 4 (Bidder's Disclosure), SBD 6.1 (Preference Points Claim) and, for the successful bidder, SBD 7 (Contract Form – Rendering of Services).

Safety plan

• A safety plan with proof must be submitted; it forms part of the functionality scorecard (up to 20 points, with no plan scoring 0).
• The bidder must demonstrate knowledge and expertise in the safety and emergency standards required for tourism operations.

Operational safety matters

• Housekeeping.
• Alcohol use.
• Braai facilities and fire use.
• Client actions in an emergency.
• Night-time activities, including travel to and from the gate.
• Monkeys and other wildlife.

Insurance and security

• The operator must meet all legal insurance requirements, particularly public liability and asset cover.
• The operator must provide security for the premises.
• All persons and vehicles entering or leaving the reserve are subject to ad hoc security checks.

Protected area

• The site is in the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve (Mariepskop section) within the High Intensity Leisure Zone.
• Development is permitted only within the existing disturbed footprint; natural self-restoration by indigenous vegetation must be considered in the EIA.
• Activities must comply with the Mpumalanga Conservation Act and nature reserve policies and codes of conduct; an environmental impact assessment is required.

Site conditions

• Terrain is steep but already prepared for existing infrastructure; elevation 1360–1400 m above sea level.
• Climate is cool with frequent strong wind, annual rainfall above 2000 mm and average temperatures of 2°C to 24°C.
• Underlain by quartzite and shale with moderately drained soils; access can be affected in wet conditions.
• Misbelt forest vegetation with diverse flora; primates (Samango monkeys, vervet monkeys, baboons), predators (leopard, caracal, serval), snakes, spiders, scorpions, mosquitoes and ticks occur; the site is in a malaria area.

Environmental obligations

• Waste must be removed to a registered dumping site and kept secure from scavengers and weather.
• Alien species must be removed on a continuing basis; indigenous vegetation clearing must be appropriate.
• A water use licence must be applied for by the developer.
• Architectural design should blend into the environment, with reflective solar panels mitigated and lights directed away from the air at night.
• Only guided access is permitted to the Maripe plateau, Klaserie River catchment and Three Rondavels–Maripe viewpoints; controlled access to adjacent low-intensity leisure zones is possible.

Concession agreement

• MTPA intends to enter into a concession agreement with the appointed operator; the draft is provided as Annexure 7 – Draft concession agreement, which bidders must mark up with any proposed amendments.
• The RFP is issued under the Concession Management Framework and is governed by South African law.

MTPA rights

• MTPA may change the timetable, amend or add to the RFP, provide clarification, cancel the bid without prior notice, or disqualify a bidder.
• MTPA is not liable for any costs or damages arising from changes, cancellation or disqualification.

Bidder obligations

• Bidders bear all costs of preparing their bids.
• No verbal discussion with MTPA staff or advisers can change, add to or clarify the RFP; only written communications from authorised staff count.
• Submitting a bid means the bidder accepts the RFP terms and applicable South African law.
• The successful bidder must complete and sign the written contract form (SBD 7).

Functionality

• Weighted 70% and scored out of 100; a minimum of 70% is required or the bid is disqualified from price and preference evaluation.
• Scorecard: business plan 20; financial capability 20; company profile and experience 10; key personnel experience; safety plan 20; locality 20.

Concession fee offer

• Weighted 80% of the overall bid score.
• Price points use the highest acceptable tender: Ps = 80(1+[(Pt−Pmax)/Pmax]) or Ps = 90(1+[(Pt−Pmax)/Pmax]).

Preference points

• 20/10 system for specific goals: race 6/3, gender (women) 5/2, disability 5/3, youth 4/2.
• Ownership of at least 50 + 1% in a claimed category is required.
• Preference points not claimed with supporting proof are not awarded.