Lease of port land (lots 4/1–4/6) at tuzi gazi, port of richards bay – 15-Year lease

The advert invites lease applications for a land parcel in the Port of Richards Bay, Bayview Precinct, covering 19,602.31 m², available immediately for warehouse, equipment, or clean cargo storage, with a lease term of up to 15 years.

Issue date: 08 October 2026.

Non-compulsory briefing session: 21 October 2026, 09:00–12:00, at TNPA Port of Richards Bay, ECC Building, or online via Microsoft Teams (Meeting ID: 360 659 935 101 938, Passcode: C35gg3fe).

Deadline for requests for clarification: 06 November 2026 at 16:00 (CAT).

Closing date: 20 November 2026 at 16:00 (CAT).

Non-compulsory briefing session: 21 October 2026, 09:00–12:00, at TNPA Port of Richards Bay, ECC Building, or online via Microsoft Teams (Meeting ID: 360 659 935 101 938, Passcode: C35gg3fe). Physical attendees must wear a safety vest.

Enquiries and clarification requests: [email protected]

Physical briefing attendees must submit ID copies in advance to the same email before 21 October 2026.

Fraud/corruption reporting: Tip-offs Anonymous, 0800 003 056, [email protected]

Submission method: upload bid response proposals onto the Transnet system against each tender selected.

Closing time: 16:00 (CAT) on 20 November 2026.

Late submissions will be disqualified.

Returnable documents: none specified in the advert.

Bid responses must be uploaded onto the Transnet system against each tender selected by 16:00 (CAT) on 20 November 2026. Late submissions will be disqualified.

Evaluation criteria not stated in the advert.

Property: Land situated on Lot 4/1, 4/2, 4/3, 4/4, 4/5, 4/6, Bayview Precinct, Port of Richards Bay.

Extent: 19,602.31 m².

Permitted use: Warehouse/Equipment/Clean cargo storage.

Availability: Immediately.

Tenure: Up to 15 years.

B-BBEE: Transnet uses the DTI's B-BBEE Balanced Scorecard. Applicants must be accredited by an accredited agency in line with the latest DTI Codes of Good Practice. EMEs and QSEs may submit sworn affidavits.

B-BBEE accreditation is required using the DTI Balanced Scorecard. EMEs and QSEs may submit sworn affidavits.

Physical briefing attendees must wear a safety vest while on the Port premises.

TNPA reserves the right to cancel the lease application process at any time, not to accept any application in part or full, to extend dates, modify scope, or withdraw the advert or any properties. Properties not recommended for award remain open for 2 months after advert closure.

Enquiries and clarification requests: [email protected]

Clarification deadline: 06 November 2026 at 16:00 (CAT).

Physical briefing attendees must submit ID copies in advance to [email protected] before 21 October 2026.

Closing date: 20 November 2026 at 16:00

Non-compulsory briefing session and site visit: 21 October 2026, 09:00–12:00, at TNPA Port of Richards Bay, ECC Building. Site visit follows the briefing. Attendance is non-compulsory but encouraged. Bidders attending physically must submit copies of their IDs before 21 October 2026 to [email protected] for access permits, and must bring safety vests. Online attendance via Microsoft Teams is available (Meeting ID: 360 659 935 101 938, Passcode: C35gg3fe).

Closure of clarity-seeking questions: 06 November 2026 at 16:00

Bid validity period: 120 business days from closing date.

Enquiries and submissions:

• Email: [email protected]
• For property access and site visit arrangements, use the same email.
• For RFP clarification requests, use the RFP Clarification Request Form (Section 8) submitted on the system before 06 November 2026 at 16:00.

Submission portal: https://transnetetenders.azurewebsites.net

No physical address or telephone contact provided in the document.

Submission method: electronic upload only, via the Transnet e-Tender portal at https://transnetetenders.azurewebsites.net. Bidders must upload their bid response against the relevant tender reference. Uploads are limited to 30 MB per file; multiple uploads are permitted. File names may contain only alphabetical and numerical characters. Bidders are advised to submit at least a day before closing to avoid technical issues; Transnet accepts no liability for upload failures. Late submissions are not accepted.

Returnable documents — three categories:

• Mandatory Returnable Documents (failure to submit by closing date and time results in disqualification):
• Section 4: Rental Offer Price (priced rental offer as prescribed).
• Returnable Documents Used for Scoring (failure to submit results in an automatic score of zero for the applicable criterion):
• Valid proof of Specific Goals compliance (Section 9).
• Valid B-BBEE certificate or sworn affidavit (as per DTIC guidelines).
• Capital Expenditure Plan.
• Maintenance Expenditure Plan.
• Company Profile and supporting documents.
• Business Plan.
• Reference Letters.
• Bank Rating.
• Essential Returnable Documents (failure to submit gives Transnet the right to request them by a set deadline; continued failure may lead to disqualification):
• Section 1: SBD 1 Form (Invitation to Bid).
• Section 6: Certificate of Acquaintance with RFP, Terms & Conditions & Applicable Documents.
• Section 7: RFP Declaration and Breach of Law Form.
• Section 9: Specific Goals Points Claim Form (SBD 6.2).
• Section 10: Job Creation and Skills Development.
• Section 11: Protection of Personal Information.
• Section 12: Certificate of Attendance of Compulsory/Non-Compulsory RFP Briefing.

All returnable sections must be signed, stamped and dated at the bottom of each page. The signatory must be legally authorised to bind the bidder; proof of authority (e.g. company resolution) must be submitted.

Disqualification risks:

• Late or incorrectly uploaded submissions.
• Missing mandatory returnable documents.
• Unsigned or undated documents.
• Collusion with other bidders.
• Attempting to canvass Transnet officers between closing and award.
• Changes to the submission after closing date.

Evaluation is staged and sequential, though Transnet may run stages in parallel. Bidders must pass each stage to proceed.

Stage 1 — Test for Administrative Responsiveness:

• Bid lodged on time.
• Bid documents duly signed by authorised bidder.

Stage 2 — Test for Substantive Responsiveness:

• Bid contains a priced rental offer as prescribed in Section 4.

Stage 3 — Minimum Threshold for Functionality/Technical Criteria (minimum 66.67/100):

• Previous Experience (10 points): minimum 2 years' experience in the proposed use, supported by company profile and evidence (lease agreement, licence, or other verifiable document). Scoring: >2 years with evidence = 2 points; <2 years = 1 point; no submission = 0.
• Reference Letters (15 points): minimum 2 reference letters not older than 5 years, including customer/company name, address, contact details, email, project scope and duration. Scoring: more than 2 letters = 3 points; 2 letters = 2 points; 1 letter = 1 point; none or older than 5 years = 0.
• Bank Rating (15 points): bank rating issued by a financial institution confirming the entity as a going concern, not older than 3 months. Scoring: Rating A = 3 points; Rating B = 2 points; Rating C = 1 point; D or below or older than 3 months = 0.
• Business Plan alignment to Port Development Framework Plan (PDFP) (10 points): operations must detail use of premises, prove port-related use, and support port business as per Annexure 7. Scoring: all 3 elements with additional benefits = 3 points; only 3 elements = 2 points; less than 3 = 1 point; no submission or not aligned = 0.
• Market Analysis (10 points): must be a port-related commercial activity addressing all 5 elements (status quo, potential market, gap analysis, SWOT, economic spin-offs). Scoring: all 5 with substantial detail = 3 points; only 5 elements = 2 points; less than 5 = 1 point; no submission or not port-related = 0.
• Value to Port Operations (10 points): operations must add value via vision/mission, strategic objectives, innovation, and short/medium-term value. Scoring: all 4 elements with substantial detail = 3 points; only 4 elements = 2 points; less than 4 = 1 point; no submission or no value = 0.
• Capital Expenditure Plan (10 points): detailed Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and Project Schedule for refurbishment/upgrades, covering the lease term. Scoring: concise WBS and schedule = 3 points; good = 2 points; average = 1 point; inadequate or no submission = 0.
• Maintenance Expenditure Plan (10 points): detailed maintenance plan aligned to property and proposed use, covering the lease term, with identification, prioritisation, scoping, objectives, resource allocation, timeframes and costs. Scoring: concise = 3 points; good = 2 points; average = 1 point; no submission or does not address any element = 0.
• Financial Viability (10 points): cashflow projections over the lease period, with assumptions, demonstrating ability to remain a going concern; cashflows must be signed by a finance professional. Scoring: detailed cashflow = 3 points; high-level/summarised = 1 point; no submission or not viable = 0.

Stage 4 — Final Weighted Scoring (total 100 points):

• Rental Offer Price: 80 or 90 points (depending on applicable formula).
• Specific Goals (SBD 6.2): 20 or 10 points.
• Price is scored using the formula PS = 80(1 + (Pt - Pmax)/Pmax) or PS = 90(1 + (Pt - Pmax)/Pmax), where Pt is the price under consideration and Pmax is the highest acceptable bid price. Lowest priced bid inclusive of all taxes receives maximum points.

Stage 5 — Objective Criteria: Transnet may award to a bidder other than the highest scorer based on objective criteria, including rotation of bidders (to promote new entrants), specialised operations, poor past performance with TNPA, breach of Integrity Pact, probity check risks, negative impact on Transnet's return on investment, restrictions, insolvency/business rescue, lack of legal capacity, or conflicts of interest.

Stage 6 — Post-Tender Negotiations: If the highest-ranked bidder's rental is not market-related, Transnet may negotiate a market-related rental with the highest-ranked bidder, then the 2nd and 3rd ranked bidders sequentially, or cancel the tender. Bidders' bids remain valid during negotiations.

Stage 7 — Award: Successful bidder receives a Letter of Award, then final lease agreement is concluded.

TNPA is leasing land situated on Lot 4/1, 4/2, 4/3, 4/4, 4/5, 4/6, Tuzi Gazi, in the Port of Richards Bay, for a period of fifteen (15) years.

Property details:

• Extent: 19,602.31 m²
• Proposed use: Warehouse / Equipment / Clean cargo storage
• Available from: Immediately
• Precinct: Bayview Precinct, Port of Richards Bay
• The property is currently vacant.
• Approximately 200 m² from the container handling facility.
• Leased on an "as is" (voetstoots) basis, as per the Site/Lease Plan (Annexure 1).

Exclusions (not permitted on the property):

• Handling and storage of hazardous chemicals.
• Staging of trucks.
• Truck refuelling station.
• Contained handling depot activities.
• Storage of dust minerals in open areas.

Bidder obligations:

• The successful bidder must undertake all refurbishment, repairs, upgrades and capital improvements necessary to make the premises fit for purpose, at its own cost, unless negotiated otherwise with TNPA.
• Beneficial occupation may be considered and negotiated, but must be properly motivated in the Business Plan and approved by TNPA governance structures. The bidder is liable for all property holding costs during beneficial occupation.
• Bidders must conduct their own inspection of the property before submitting a bid. TNPA accepts no responsibility for failure to inspect.
• Bidders must comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including the Employment Equity Act (Section 53).
• Bidders must provide information on their environmental commitments, including waste disposal, recycling and energy conservation (Green Economy / Carbon Footprint).

Evaluation is staged and sequential, though Transnet may run stages in parallel. Bidders must pass each stage to proceed.

Stage 1: Test for Administrative Responsiveness (on-time, signed).

Stage 2: Test for Substantive Responsiveness (priced rental offer).

Stage 3: Minimum Threshold for Functionality/Technical Criteria (minimum 66.67/100).

Stage 4: Final Weighted Scoring (Rental Offer Price 80/90 points + Specific Goals 20/10 points).

Stage 5: Objective Criteria (may justify award to a bidder other than the highest scorer).

Stage 6: Post-Tender Negotiations (if rental not market-related).

Stage 7: Award of business and conclusion of agreement.

Bidders must have a minimum of 2 years' experience in the proposed use, supported by a company profile and evidence (lease agreement, licence, or other verifiable document).

Bidders must submit a minimum of 2 reference letters not older than 5 years, including customer/company name, address, contact details, email, project scope and duration.

Bidders must submit a bank rating issued by a financial institution confirming the entity as a going concern, not older than 3 months.

Bidders must submit a Business Plan covering operations, market analysis, value to port operations, capital expenditure plan, maintenance plan, and financial viability (cashflow projections signed by a finance professional).

No specific key personnel qualifications are required beyond the above.

Pricing format:

• Bidders must complete the Rental Offer Summary in Section 4, providing:
• Rate per square metre (excl. VAT) for land portion (19,602.31 m²) and building portion (if applicable).
• Monthly rental offer (excl. VAT and incl. VAT at 15%).
• Escalation rate offer.
• Annual rental for each of the first 5 years (12 months each), with totals excl. and incl. VAT.
• The annual escalation proposed must be included in the overall rental offer.
• TNPA will verify the correctness of calculations; the verified calculations may be used in awarding the lease.

Market-related rental:

• If the highest-scoring bidder's rental is not market-related, Transnet may negotiate a market-related rental with that bidder, or cancel the RFP. If unsuccessful, it may negotiate with the 2nd and 3rd ranked bidders sequentially, or cancel.
• Transnet may not award the lease if the rental is not market-related.

No bid security, guarantee, retention or payment terms are specified in the document.

CSD registration:

• Bidders must self-register on the National Treasury Central Supplier Database (CSD) prior to submitting bids. Business will not be awarded to a bidder who has not registered. Foreign bidders with no local registered entity are exempt from CSD registration but must incorporate and register a South African company if awarded.

Tax compliance:

• Bidders must be tax compliant at submission and remain compliant for the entire agreement term. Provide a SARS Tax Compliance Status (TCS) PIN or printed TCS certificate. Alternatively, provide a CSD number if no TCS is available but registered on CSD.
• For joint ventures/consortia/sub-contractors, each party must submit a separate TCS certificate/PIN/CSD number.
• Failure to provide tax compliance particulars may render the bid invalid.

B-bbee:

• Bidders must submit a valid B-BBEE Status Level Verification Certificate, or a sworn affidavit for EMEs and QSEs, for compliance with the B-BBEE Act.
• Specific Goals Points Claim Form (SBD 6.2) must be completed to claim preference points.

Other compliance:

• Bidders must comply with the Employment Equity Act (including Section 53).
• Bidders must sign the RFP Declaration and Breach of Law Form, Certificate of Acquaintance, and Supplier Integrity Pact (Annexure 6).
• Bidders must not be insolvent, under business rescue, or subject to legal proceedings of that nature.
• Bidders must not have conflicts of interest.
• Successful bidder and personnel may be required to obtain security clearance to CONFIDENTIAL/SECRET/TOP SECRET level, at the bidder's own responsibility.
• Bidders must comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

No CIDB grading, CIPC registration, or professional-body registration requirements are stated.

Bidders must submit a valid B-BBEE Status Level Verification Certificate, or a sworn affidavit for EMEs and QSEs, for compliance with the B-BBEE Act.

Specific Goals Points Claim Form (SBD 6.2) must be completed to claim preference points.

Preference points are awarded for attaining specific goals requirements as per the table in Section 4.1 of the Specific Goals Claim Form.

No specific B-BBEE level thresholds are stated in the document.

Bidders attending the physical briefing and site visit must bring safety vests.

Access permits are required for the physical briefing; bidders must submit copies of their IDs before 21 October 2026 to [email protected].

The successful bidder must implement all security measures as the safe performance of the agreement may require.

No other specific health and safety requirements are stated in the document.

Bidders must provide information on their environmental commitments, including waste disposal, recycling and energy conservation.

The RFP includes an Environmental Management Plan (Annexure 2) which bidders must acquaint themselves with.

Handling and storage of hazardous chemicals is excluded from the permitted use of the property.

No dust minerals may be stored in open areas.

Additional evaluation criteria details:

• Stage 3 minimum threshold: 66.67/100 for functionality/technical criteria.
• Weighted scores for functionality/technical criteria (total 100 points):
• Previous Experience: 10 points
• Reference Letters: 15 points
• Bank Rating: 15 points
• Business Plan alignment to PDFP: 10 points
• Market Analysis: 10 points
• Value to Port Operations: 10 points
• Capital Expenditure Plan: 10 points
• Maintenance Expenditure Plan: 10 points
• Financial Viability: 10 points
• Stage 4 final weighted scoring: Rental Offer Price (80/90 points) + Specific Goals (20/10 points) = 100 points.
• Price scoring formula: PS = 80(1 + (Pt - Pmax)/Pmax) or PS = 90(1 + (Pt - Pmax)/Pmax).
• Objective criteria may justify award to a bidder other than the highest scorer.

The document is a lease agreement template between Transnet SOC Ltd (Lessor) and a lessee for land in the Port of Richards Bay. It covers the terms and conditions of leasing the premises for 15 years.

Closing date: 20 November 2026 at 16:00

Commencement Date: as stipulated in Annexure A

Expiry Date: as stipulated in Annexure A

Rental review meetings: 6 months before the expiry of each Rental Review Period

Baseline environmental study: must be completed within 3 months after the Commencement Date

Environmental Plan: must be provided immediately after the Signature Date

Returnable documents:

• Annexure A (Commercial Terms): sets out the material commercial terms of the lease.
• Annexure B (TNPA Regulatory Universe): lists the legislation and policies the lessee must comply with.
• Annexure C (Diagram of Leased Premises): shows the leased premises, surrounding property and common areas.
• Annexure D (Suretyship): if applicable, must be signed by the surety/ies.
• Annexure E (Bank Guarantee): if applicable, must be provided in the prescribed form.
• Business Plan: if required, must be submitted before the Signature Date and include management details, shareholding, financial statements, cash flow projections, bank commitment letters, strategy, and operational plans.

Submission method: Not stated in the document. The closing date and time are 20 November 2026 at 16:00 (from the tender record).

Evaluation is based on the Lessor's assessment of the Business Plan and the Lessee's compliance with the lease terms. The Lessor will use the Business Plan to decide whether to enter into the lease, to monitor the Lessee's activities, and to decide on renewal. The Lessee must maintain at least a Level 4 B-BBEE status for the duration of the lease; failure to do so may lead to termination. No scoring split or minimum qualifying score is stated.

Leased premises: Land situated on Lot 4/1, 4/2, 4/3, 4/4, 4/5, 4/6, Tuzi Gazi, in the Port of Richards Bay.

Lease period: 15 years.

Specified purpose: As set out in Annexure A; the premises may only be used for that purpose without the Lessor's prior written consent.

The Lessee must obtain and maintain all licences and permits required for its business.

The Lessee must not store explosives, flammable goods, or toxic substances without prior written consent.

The Lessee must not use the premises for residential purposes without prior written consent.

The Lessee must not install heavy machinery or safes on floors other than ground level without prior written consent.

The Lessee must comply with the Lessor's Policies and the TNPA Regulatory Universe.

The Lessee must submit an updated B-BBEE certificate annually.

The Lessee must maintain the premises in good order and condition at its own cost.

The Lessee is responsible for electrical installations and must procure a valid certificate of compliance.

All signage requires the Lessor's prior written approval.

The Lessee must grant wayleaves for utilities as reasonably required by the Lessor.

The lessee must submit a Business Plan before the Signature Date if required. The plan must include: full names, ID numbers, and addresses of management; shareholding details; projected cash flows; audited income statement signed by auditors and shareholders; management accounts for the last 6 months; detailed balance sheet; bank commitment letters; long and short term strategy; investments in the property; development and operational plans; details of operation methodology including equipment; and any additional information the lessor requires. The Business Plan is used to decide whether to enter the lease, monitor activities, and decide on renewal.

The lessee must keep the premises in good order and condition, prevent blockages, and repair any damage at its own cost. If the lessee fails to repair within 7 days of written notice, the lessor may do so at the lessee's cost. The lessee must report damage within 24 hours and pay any insurance excess. Civil and electrical maintenance must be done by suitably qualified and registered specialists. The lessee must maintain and replace air-conditioning and heating systems.

Rental is set out in Annexure A and increases by the Escalation Rate. Operating Costs are paid monthly. Additional charges include water, electricity, sewerage, refuse, and any increases in taxes or levies. Rental and other monthly amounts are payable in advance on or before the first Business Day of each month. All amounts are subject to VAT. The lessee must pay an Administration Fee on the Signature Date. The lessee must pay a Deposit (Initial and possibly Periodic) as per Annexure A, which may be replaced by a bank guarantee.

Rental: As set out in Annexure A, payable in advance on or before the first Business Day of each month, subject to VAT.

Escalation Rate: As set out in Annexure A, applied annually on the anniversary of the Commencement Date to both Rental and Operating Costs.

Deposit: Initial Deposit payable on the Signature Date, escalating as per Annexure A; may be replaced by an unconditional bank guarantee valid for the lease term plus at least 6 months after termination. Deposit is not subject to VAT.

Operating Costs: Monthly contribution as specified in Annexure A.

Additional charges: Water, electricity, sewerage removal, refuse removal, and any increases in taxes, levies, or rates.

Administration Fee: Payable on the Signature Date as set out in Annexure A.

Payment method: Electronic funds transfer only; no cash payments.

Interest: Not specified.

Suretyship: Annexure D, if applicable.

Bank Guarantee: Annexure E, if applicable.

B-BBEE: Minimum Level 4 status, maintained for the duration of the lease. An updated valid B-BBEE certificate from an authorised verification agency must be submitted annually. If the status drops above Level 4, the Lessor must be notified with reasons; the Lessor may terminate the lease for non-compliance.

CIPC: The Lessee must be a registered entity with a registration number.

Tax compliance: Not explicitly stated, but implied as a state-owned company counterparty requirement.

Business Plan: Must be submitted before the Signature Date if required, containing financial and operational details.

Environmental: Baseline study within 3 months of Commencement Date; Environmental Plan immediately after Signature Date; compliance with all environmental laws.

The lessee must maintain at least a Level 4 B-BBEE status for the duration of the lease. An updated valid B-BBEE certificate from an authorised verification agency must be submitted annually. If the status drops above Level 4, the lessor must be notified with reasons. The lessor may terminate the lease for non-compliance with B-BBEE requirements.

The lessee must comply with the Lessor's Policies and the TNPA Regulatory Universe. The lessee must submit an emergency plan if required by the lessor, and comply with it. The lessee must cooperate with any Board of Inquiry (BOI) instituted by the lessor, including providing reports and ensuring personnel attend sessions. The lessee is responsible for the safety and maintenance of electrical installations and must obtain a certificate of compliance. The lessee must not store hazardous substances without consent. The lessee must comply with all safety and security stipulations of the lessor during inspections.

The lessee may procure a baseline environmental study immediately after the Signature Date. The lessee is responsible for any pollution or contamination it causes after the Commencement Date. The lessee must provide an Environmental Plan immediately after the Signature Date, covering pollution prevention, waste management, impact management, and remedial measures. The lessor may require a comprehensive environmental site assessment at any time, at the lessee's cost. The lessee must comply with all environmental laws and not pollute or contaminate the environment.

The lease agreement includes standard clauses on interpretation, duration, rental, escalation, rental review, additional charges, administration fee, use of premises, common areas, loading/unloading, lessee obligations, emergency plans, insurance, maintenance, electrical installations, wayleaves, signage, access, security, rodent infestation, environmental obligations, services, cession/subletting, indemnity, limitation of liability, change in law, breach, interest, termination, vacant possession, improvements, repossession, redevelopment, ownership of improvements, plant/machinery, fire protection, damage/destruction, jurisdiction, dispute resolution, suretyship, costs, domicilium, confidentiality, severability, agent's commission, stipulatio alteri, governing law, signing, ancillary agreements, and whole agreement.

Key obligations: The lessee must comply with all laws and the Lessor's Policies. The lessee has no claim against the lessor for damage or service interruptions except for wilful or grossly negligent acts. The lessee must not withhold payment due to defects. The lessee must grant wayleaves for utilities without compensation. The lessee must maintain the premises and report damage within 24 hours. The lessee must obtain and maintain insurance as required.

The lessee must conduct business strictly in accordance with the Lessor's Policies and the TNPA Regulatory Universe. If the Business Plan or legislation imposes more onerous obligations, those apply; if less onerous, the Lessor's Policies apply. The lessor may amend its policies by written notice. The lessee must meet with the lessor to review compliance and implement remedial measures. Failure to implement remedial measures within a reasonable time is a material breach, entitling the lessor to claim damages or a penalty of 50% of the monthly rental for each month the breach persists. The lessor may require amendments to the Business Plan to ensure compliance.

No additional evaluation criteria beyond the standard sections.