Request for Proposal to Appoint Private Operator (s) to Operate, Eco-tourism Facilities Within the Isimangaliso Wetland Park

1.1. The iSimangaliso Wetland Park was proclaimed a World Heritage Site by regulation published

in the Government Gazette under notice number 4477 on 24 November 2000. The Park

stretches across open seas, reefs, beaches, forests, savannahs, lakes, rivers and mountains

to include all the natural wonders that have drawn travelers and explorers to Africa for

centuries. It is approximately 1,328,901 hectares in size.. The Indian Ocean forms the eastern

boundary of the Park, which extends from the Mozambican border in the north, to Maphelane

in the south and includes the uMkhuze section in the west. The Park traverses approximately

one third of the KwaZulu-Natal coastline.

iSimangalisoa RFP 23/2025 to appoint interim operator(s) to manage eco-tourism facilities

2. LEGAL, REGULATORY & INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK

2.1. The Park is under the control of the iSimangaliso Authority. The iSimangaliso Authority

reports to the Minister and is mandated to implement the policies and principles of the World

Heritage Convention, the Act and the NEMPAA. The iSimangaliso Authority is listed as a

Schedule 3a Public Entity under the PFMA and is the protected area manager in terms of the

NEMPAA.

2.2. The iSimangaliso Authority has entered into a Management Agreement with Ezemvelo, its

day-to-day conservation manager. There are some 93 pieces of national legislation,

regulations and policies, and international conventions regulating environment in the Park.

Key legislation pertaining to this project is the National Environmental Management Act:

Integrated Coastal Management Act, 2008 (Act No ), National Forest Act, 1998

(Act No , National Water Act, 1998 (Act No ), National Environmental

Management Act, 2008 (Act No ).

3. INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT PLAN

3.1. The iSimangaliso Authority manages the Park in accordance with an Integrated Management

Plan (IMP). The IMP provides a framework for conservation, tourism and zonation of activities

allowed in the Park. Specific Park Rules and directives are also issued from time to time by

the iSimangaliso Authority.

4. PURPOSE OF THIS REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)

4.1. The scope of the RFP includes the leasing of iSimangaliso tourism facilities within the various

sections of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. This encompasses managing day-to-day

operations, maintaining facilities, and adhering to specified standards and regulations of the

identified chalets and campsites.

4.2. The interim operating lease arrangement is part of the commercialisation strategy that

iSimangaliso is undertaking in various sections of the Park. The strategic objectives of the

RFP include the following:

4.2.1. Introduce an interim arrangement for a medium term while ensuring compliance with the PPP

processes

4.2.2. Ensure compliance with regards to the World Heritage Act, and Health and Safety

regulations.

4.2.3. Efficient use of the project site

iSimangalisoa RFP 23/2025 to appoint interim operator(s) to manage eco-tourism facilities

4.2.4. Enhance the attractiveness of the resort, increase tourist traffic and stay

4.2.5. Facilitate and fast track refurbishment of facilities,

4.2.6. Ensure increased tourist numbers

4.2.7. Contribution to increased revenue within the Park.

4.2.8. Improve visitor’s experience at an attractive destination and generate revenue within the

Park.

4.3. The purpose of this RFP is to appoint operator(s) to operate, manage and maintain tourism

facilities within the Park. The RFP is issued in accordance with the Public Finance

Management Act 1999 (PFMA).

5. THE TOURISM RESORTS OPERATING OPPORTUNITY

5.1. The table below shows the opportunities available and the duration of the lease:

Tourism Opportunity Description Duration

Cape Vidal Resort Campsites 1 year

Sodwana Bay Resort Chalets & Campsites 2 years

Mkuze/Mantuma Resort Chalets & Campsites 1 year

Sugarloaf Campsites Campsites 1 year

5.2. The description of the tourism facilities under offer is as listed below:

1. Cape Vidal:

Cape Vidal is situated within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It is a

rare beach and bush destination. Cape Vidal offers travellers pristine beaches, incredible

surroundings, and an abundance of wildlife that can be found within the area. Cape Vidal is in the

Eastern Shores of iSimangaliso Wetland Park

The Eastern Shores section of iSimangaliso Wetland Park is accessed through Bhangazi gate,

bordering the town of St Lucia. The area is incredibly popular, and thus vehicle access is limited

to 120 vehicles per day; gate times do vary according to the season. The winter gate opening time

is 6:00 am, and the summer gate opening time is 5:00 am.

The Eastern Shores offers numerous day and night-time activities, from ski boating, surf fishing,

whale spotting, wildlife safaris, night drive safaris, bird spotting, picnicking, swimming, snorkelling

and turtle viewing.

iSimangalisoa RFP 23/2025 to appoint interim operator(s) to manage eco-tourism facilities

In terms of camping facilities, the Cape Vidal resort offers 45 campsites with a carrying capacity

of 6 people per campsite, as well as one campsite with a carrying capacity of 18 people. The

campsites have power points, and there are three communal ablutions. The total carrying capacity

of the campsites is 288 people, as shown in the table below.

Tourism Category Maximum Number of Beds/Maximum

Facility People per units/sites per people per

unit/site night night

Cape Vidal Campsite with Power 6 45 270

Cape Vidal Campsite with Power 18 1 18

Total 46 288

Note: Chalets and fuel station are not part of the opportunity being offered.

2. Sodwana Bay:

Situated in the Sodwana Bay section of the Park, Sodwana is one of the top ten diving destinations

in the world. The coral reefs contain over 1,200 species of fish as well as variety of underwater

seascapes and marine flora and fauna. It is also home to the Coelacanth which was discovered

in the deep Jesser Canyon offshore from Sodwana Bay in 2000.

This popular resort has 10 x 4 bed log Cabins –self-catering with bathrooms; 9 x 6 Bed log

Cabins - self-catering with bathrooms; 64 Campsites with power points; 286 Campsites without

power points; reception Office and housing facilities.

Tourism activities in Sodwana Bay include snorkeling, commercial charter fishing, ski boat fishing,

turtle watching and scuba diving.

3. Mkhuze/Mantuma: Mantuma Resort is situated in the uMkhuze Section of the Park, uMkhuze is

one of the South Africa’s oldest game parks (est. 1912).The 40 000ha uMkhuze is a spectacular

section of iSimangaliso for birding and game viewing.

It is home to at least 420 avian species, as well as the Big 5 and rare species such as cheetah

and wild dogs – all at home in an amazing landscape of acacia savannah, rivers, pans and riverine

forest. The ccurrent accommodation inventory and other facilities include the following:

• 2 x 6 Bed Cottages - self-catering with bathrooms

• 4 x 2 Bed Chalets - self-catering with bathrooms

• 5 x 4 Bed Chalets - self-catering with bathrooms

• 6 x 2 Bed Huts - self-catering with communal ablution and kitchen facilities

iSimangalisoa RFP 23/2025 to appoint interim operator(s) to manage eco-tourism facilities

• 10 x 2 Bed Safari Tents - self-catering with en-suite bathrooms and a separate kitchen

• 3 x 4 Bed Safari Tents - self-catering with en-suite bathrooms and a separate kitchen

• The chalet lodging is constructed with brick walls and a thatched roof.

• The Mantuma Camp 2 sleeper Rest huts provide shared bathroom and kitchen amenities

located separate from the rooms.

• The two sleeping chalets include individual en-suite bathrooms equipped with a combined

bath and shower, as well as a separate toilet. Additionally, each chalet is equipped with its

own kitchenette.

• The 4 sleeper Chalets consist of two bedrooms, one bathroom equipped with a bath and a

shower, a kitchen, a lounge/dining room, and a patio.

• The two sleeper Safari Tents provide individual ensuite facilities, including a private shower

and toilet. Additionally, each tent is equipped with a nearby kitchenette.

• The 4 sleeper Safari Tents consist of two separate tents, each equipped with its own

bathroom. Additionally, there is a kitchen and dining area located on the same deck.

• The Safari tents are situated in a densely forested region and feature additional shelter

above the tents to provide extra shade.

• The 6 sleeper Cottages consist of three bedrooms, a bathroom equipped with a bath, toilet,

and hand-basin, as well as a separate shower and toilet. Additionally, there is a kitchen, and

a spacious lounge/dining area accompanied by a substantial veranda.

• As part of Mantuma camp there is a 8 bed lodge called Nhlonhlela bush lodge. Nhlonhlela

Bush Lodge is overlooking Nhlonhlela Pan. All units are ensuite and are connected by

boardwalks branching out from the communal lounge and kitchen. A cook/caretaker is in

attendance, as well as a field ranger (subject to availability) to take visitors on game walks.

The lodge is served by solar powered lighting

• The Mantuma resort has an administration block Main Complex which has the following:-

Reception Office; Tourist Shop; Offices; Small Board room.

• Kiosk/Take Away with an adjacent deck and Lapa area where meals are served

• Swimming Pool; Staff Accommodation; guest laundry facilities; housekeeping facilities

• Mkuze has a small airstrip that is used for management purposes. However it is possible for

it to be used by the operator for private use.

Activities on offer include day and night game drives, birding, Trails and guided walks.

4. Sugar Loaf Campsite:

Situated in the St Lucia section of Park on the shores of Africa’s largest estuarine system and the

Indian Ocean.

There are 92 sites, each accommodating a maximum of 6 people, Ablutions with hot water, a

iSimangalisoa RFP 23/2025 to appoint interim operator(s) to manage eco-tourism facilities

swimming pool.

Key attractions include boat cruise, game drive, charter fishing, recreational fishing, snorkelling,

guided walks and bird watching activities.

5.3. Bidders are invited to apply for one or more of the opportunities referred to in above. Each

5.4. Conditional Bids will not be accepted. For example, if a Bidder submits a Bid for Cape Vidal

on the Eastern Shores and Sugarloaf , the iSimangaliso may award the Bidder one, both or

neither opportunities.

5.5. The iSimangaliso may elect not to award more than one opportunity for a particular activity

to a single Bidder. For purposes of this paragraph the term “single Bidder” will be taken to

include both direct and indirect participation.

5.6. The iSimangaliso may elect to withdraw one or more tourism opportunities and not award an

operating lease for these.

6. LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK OF THE BID

6.1. Tax Legislation

for the entire contract term with all applicable tax legislation, including but not limited to the

Income Tax Act, 1962 (Act No. ) and Value Added Tax Act, 1991 (Act No. ).It is a condition of this bid that the tax matters of the successful bidder be in order, or

that satisfactory arrangements have been made with South African Revenue Service (SARS)

to meet the bidder’s tax obligations.

6.1.2. The Tax Compliance status requirements are also applicable to foreign bidders / individuals

who wish to submit bids.

6.1.3. It is a requirement that bidders grant a written confirmation when submitting this bid that

SARS may on an ongoing basis during the tenure of the contract disclose the bidder’s tax

compliance status and by submitting this bid such confirmation is deemed to have been

granted.

6.1.4. iSimangaliso reserves the right to cancel a contract with a successful bidder in the event that

such bidder does not remain tax compliant for the full term of the contract.

iSimangalisoa RFP 23/2025 to appoint interim operator(s) to manage eco-tourism facilities

Treasury shall verify the bidder’s tax compliance status through the Central Supplier

Database.

6.1.6. iSimangaliso reserves the right to withdraw an award made, or cancel a contract concluded

with a successful bidder in the event that it is established that such bidder was in fact not tax

compliant at the time of the award or has submitted a fraudulent Tax Clearance Certificate

to iSimangaliso, or whose verification against the Central Supplier Database (CSD) proves

non-compliant.

6.2. Procurement Legislation

6.2.1. iSimangaliso has a detailed evaluation methodology premised on Treasury Regulation 16A3

promulgated under Section 76 of the Public Finance Management Act, 1999 (Act, No. ),

6.2.2. The Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act 2000 (Act, No.) and the Broad-

Based Black Economic Empowerment Act, 2003 (Act, No. ).

6.3. Technical Legislation/or Standards

6.3.1. Bidder(s) should be cognisant of the legislation and/or standards specifically applicable to

the services. The tender will be conducted in accordance with the terms of this RFP and the

laws of the Republic of South Africa.

7. TIMELINE OF THE BID PROCESS

7.1. The period of validity of tender and the withdrawal of offers, after the closing date and time is

120 days. The project timeframes of this bid are set out below:

Activity Due Date

Advertisement of bid on Government e- 30 January 2026

tender portal/ website:

Registration for Bidders Conference. RSVPs 10 Jan to 10 Feb 2026

06 February 2026

to be emailed to: [email protected]

Bidders Conference (Platform to be advised) 10 February 2026

iSimangalisoa RFP 23/2025 to appoint interim operator(s) to manage eco-tourism facilities

Written questions of clarification closing 13 February 2026

date:

Bid submission closing date: 20 February 2026 at 12:00 precisely (Bidders

will not be permitted to submit their proposal after

the set time) Bidders are invited to attend a

non-compulsory public opening of tender same

day.

7.2. All dates and times in this bid are South African standard time. Any time or date in this bid is

subject to change at iSimangaliso’s discretion. The establishment of a time or date in this bid

does not create an obligation on the part of iSimangaliso to take any action or create any right

in any way for any bidder to demand that any action be taken on the date established.

7.3. The bidder accepts that, if iSimangaliso extends the deadline for bid submission (the Closing

Date) for any reason, the requirements of this bid otherwise apply equally to the extended

deadline.

sending their requests via email to [email protected]

8. CONTACT AND COMMUNICATION

8.1. A nominated official of the bidder(s) can make enquiries via email: [email protected] . No

telephonic queries will be entertained.

8.2. The delegated office of iSimangaliso may communicate with Bidder(s) where clarity is sought

in the bid proposal.

8.3. Any communication to an official or a person acting in an advisory capacity for iSimangaliso

in respect of the bid between the closing date and the award of the bid by the Bidder(s) is

discouraged.

8.5. Whilst all due care has been taken in connection with the preparation of this bid, iSimangaliso

makes no representations or warranties that the content of the bid or any information

communicated to or provided to Bidder(s) during the bidding process is, or will be, accurate,

current or complete. iSimangaliso, and its employees and advisors will not be liable with

respect to any information communicated which may not be accurate, current or complete.

8.6. If Bidder(s) finds or reasonably believes it has found any discrepancy, ambiguity, error or

inconsistency in this bid or any other information provided by iSimangaliso (other than minor

discrepancy, ambiguity, error or inconsistency in order to afford iSimangaliso an opportunity

iSimangalisoa RFP 23/2025 to appoint interim operator(s) to manage eco-tourism facilities

to consider what corrective action is necessary (if any).

8.7. Any actual discrepancy, ambiguity, error or inconsistency in the bid or any other information

provided by iSimangaliso will, if possible, be corrected and provided to all Bidder(s) without

attribution to the Bidder(s) who provided the written notice.

8.8. All persons (including Bidder(s)) obtaining or receiving the bid and any other information in

the purpose of developing a proposal in response to this Bid.

9. LATE BIDS

9.1. Bids received after the closing date and time, at the address indicated in the bid documents,

will not be accepted for consideration and where practicable, be returned unopened to the

Bidder(s).

10. COUNTER CONDITIONS

10.1. Bidders’ attention is drawn to the fact that amendments to any of the Bid Conditions or setting

of counter conditions by Bidders or qualifying any Bid Conditions will result in the invalidation

of such bids.

11. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS

11.1. All copyright and intellectual property rights that may result as consequences of the work to

be performed will become the property of iSimangaliso.

including copies thereof, that it received from iSimangaliso or that it had access to during the

assignment immediately after completion of the assignments to iSimangaliso.

11.3. Tourism Facilities Operators shall deliver to iSimangaliso, on completion of an assignment,

any security devices, passwords or protective mechanisms to the soft versions of documents

that were written and ISimangaliso will have the right to amend and change these without

obligation whatsoever to the Tourism Facilities Operator upon completion of the assignment.

11.4. A due diligence review may be conducted at the sole discretion of iSimangaliso at any time

prior to the awarding of the contract which may include but is not limited to conducting site

visits at bidder’s offices.

11.5. The Tourism Facilities Operator may not cede or assign any part of its agreement with

iSimangaliso nor subcontract any part of the work assigned to them without the prior written

iSimangalisoa RFP 23/2025 to appoint interim operator(s) to manage eco-tourism facilities

authorisation of iSimangaliso.

11.6. Failure to comply with any condition of this request for a proposal will invalidate respective

tender proposal.

nominee on all matters, pertaining to this assignment.

12. SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS

received by iSimangaliso before the closing date and time, regardless of the method used to

send or deliver such documents to iSimangaliso

12.2. Note: Bidders are requested to initial each page of the tender document on the bottom

righthand corner.

13. PRESENTATION / DEMONSTRATION

13.1. iSimangaliso reserves the right to request presentations/demonstrations from the short-listed

Bidders as part of the bid evaluation process.

14. DURATION OF THE CONTRACT

14.1. The successful bidder(s) will be appointed for a period of 12 to 24 months for the various sites

as highlighted below. Any further period will be at the sole discretion of iSimangaliso.

Tourism Opportunity Duration

Cape Vidal 1 year

Sodwana Bay 2 years

Mkuze/Mantuma 1 year

Sugarloaf Campsites 2 years

15. RENTAL FEE

shown below:

iSimangalisoa RFP 23/2025 to appoint interim operator(s) to manage eco-tourism facilities

Tourism Opportunity Minimum Amount/month Duration

Cape Vidal R45 000.00 1 year

Sodwana Bay R65 000.00 2 years

Mkuze/Mantuma R30 000.00 1 year

Sugarloaf Campsites R20 000.00 2 years

16. PRE-QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS –

months.

16.2. In addition to checking the completeness of the document in terms of compliance with the

requirements of the RFP the following will also apply as pre-qualification requirements:

Document to be submitted Tick Non-Submission disqualification may

Result in disqualification

Tax Status The bidder’s tax compliance status: Valid SARs Tax Pin

SBDs All attached SBDs fully completed, signed, and

initialed.

Director/s ID Copy A certified director/s ID copy/ies.

Company Resolution or i. Company Resolution or Authority to Sign

Authority to Sign Bid or Bids/Quotations as per SBD 1 requirement.

Quotation. ii. Company Resolution or Authority to Sign

Bids/Quotations on the attached format as per

annexure A to D.

Draft Tourism Facilities Draft Agreement completed, commented on, fully

Operating Agreement signed and initialed.

(Separate attachment)

Submission of information Annexure 2

iSimangalisoa RFP 23/2025 to appoint interim operator(s) to manage eco-tourism facilities

Supplier Database (CSD) Facilities Operator on the Central Supplier Database

(CSD). If you are not registered proceed to complete the

registration of your company prior to submitting your

proposal.

Visit: https://secure.csd.gov.za/ to obtain your vendor

number.

Submit Full Registration Report (Not Summary).

Submission of Company Profile Complete company profile indicating bidders

contact details, office address and services rendered.

Rental Fees Proposal Pricing proposal as per SBD 3.1 attached and

Annexure 3.

Financial statements and Financial statements and existing cashflows and

cashflows projected cashflow submitted.

17. TECHNICAL EVALUATION CRITERIA

months.

17.2. Stage 1: Technical Evaluation Criteria = 100 points

compliance checklist.

17.2.2. Only Bidders that have met all the requirements in terms of compliance and completeness

Criteria in (Stage 0) will be evaluated in Stage 1 for functionality. Functionality will be

evaluated as per the table below:

Weighted

Average

EVALUATION CRITERIA

iSimangalisoa RFP 23/2025 to appoint interim operator(s) to manage eco-tourism facilities

1. Relevant Experience & Track Record

− Proven experience in running tourism`/hospitality business. 30

− Years of operation (submit proof)

− Contactable references

Excellent: 5+ yrs + multiple sites + strong refs 30

Good: 3–5 yrs + 1–2 similar 20

Fair: 1–3 yrs + limited 10

Poor/None: <1 yr or weak evidence 0

2. Operational & Management Plan 20

− Staffing & daily management plan

− Maintenance & visitor services plan

− Quick start-up phasing/plan

− Risk & health/safety measures

Excellent: Comprehensive operational & management plan, 20

detailed maintenance & visitors plan; quick start up plan,

detailed risk/safety in line with the Park

Good: Solid structure, realistic maintenance & visitors plan; 15

adequate start up plan and risk/safety in line with the Park

Fair: Basic operations and management plan & start up plan 10

and risk/safety measure

Poor: Vague, incomplete, or non-compliant 0

3. Financial Capacity 30

− 2 years annual financial statements

− Funding proof for setup & operations

− Realistic revenue & lease fee projections

Excellent : Strong financials statements (positive ratios, no red 30

flags) + secured funding proof/proof of operating capital +

detailed, realistic projections (cash flow, break-even clear)

Good : Adequate financial stability + funding sources identified 20

+ reasonable projections

Fair: Basic statements + some funding evidence + outline 10

projections (lacks depth)

iSimangalisoa RFP 23/2025 to appoint interim operator(s) to manage eco-tourism facilities

Poor: Weak financials, insufficient proof of funding, 0

unrealistic/vague projection

Marketing Plan 10

4. − Visitor attraction strategies

− Marketing channels & campaigns

− Occupancy & revenue forecasts

Excellent: Robust marketing strategy + excellent marketing 10

channels & campaigns + high occupancy and revenue

forecasts

Good: Clear strategy + good marketing channels & campaigns 8

+ reasonable forecast

Fair: Basic marketing outline 5

Poor: Weak/vague/unrealistic 0

5. Environmental management plan 10

− Environmental management plan

Excellent: Highly detailed, site-specific environmental 10

management plan with strong, measurable mitigation measures &

commitments

Good: Clear site-specific environmental management plan with 8

good mitigation measures

Fair: Basic outline covering main elements + lacks specifics + 5

limited mitigation measures.

Poor: Minimal, vague, generic, or incomplete plan 0

17.2.3. Functionality score should be 70 points or more to qualify for the stage evaluation

stage.

17.3. Stage 2 – Price Evaluation (80 Points)

17.3.1. The following formula will be used to calculate the points for price: Where

iSimangalisoa RFP 23/2025 to appoint interim operator(s) to manage eco-tourism facilities

Criteria Points

80 Ps=80 (1+(Pt-Pmax)/Pmax

Ps = Points scored for comparative price of bid under consideration

Pt = Comparative price of bid under consideration

Pmax = Price of the highest acceptable tender

17.3.2. Specific Goal Evaluation (20 Points) Special goals Points allocation

17.3.3. A maximum of 20 points may be allocated to a bidder for attaining their special goals status

level of contributor in accordance with the table below:

Specific Goals Number of Proof of Specific Goal.

Status Level of Contributor Points

(80/20)

Minimum 51% Black Ownership 4 CSD full report, Company Registration

Certificate, or

Director’s ID Copy

Minimum 51% Youth Ownership 4 CSD full report, Company Registration

Certificate, or

Director’s ID Copy

Minimum 51% Women Ownership 4 Proof of Residence or CSD or

Company Registration

Certificate.

Locally registered Company within King 4 CSD full report, Company Registration

Cetshwayo and uMkhanyakude Districts Certificate, or Director’s ID

Municipalities Copy

iSimangalisoa RFP 23/2025 to appoint interim operator(s) to manage eco-tourism facilities

Minimum 51% Ownership by people living 4 CSD full report, Company Registration

with disabilities

Certificate,or Director’s ID Copy and

Director’s Medical Certificate or

Medical

Report.

17.4. Award recommendation:

17.4.1. iSimangaliso nominates the bidder with the highest combined score for the contract award

subject to the bidder having supplied the relevant administrative documentation.

17.5. Price and specific goal Evaluation (80+20) = 100 points

17.5.1. Only Bidders that have met the 70-point threshold in Stage 1 will be evaluated in Stage 2 for

price and Specific Goals. Price and specific goal will be evaluated as follows:

17.5.2. In terms of regulation 6 of the Preferential Procurement Regulation pertaining to the

Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act, 2000 (Act ), responsive bids will

be adjudicated on the 80/10-preference point system in terms of which points are awarded

to bidders on the basis of:

17.5.3. The bid price (maximum 80 points)

17.5.4. Specific goal for the contribution (maximum 20 points)

17.6. SCORING METHODOLOGY

17.6.1. Each panel member will rate each individual criterion on the score sheet using the points

guidelines indicated in the TOR scoring criteria.

17.6.2. Individual value scores will be added to obtain the points scored for all elements. These

points will be added and averaged according to the number of panel members. Only bidders

that have met or exceeded the minimum threshold will be evaluated and scored in terms of

pricing and specific goals.

who will be responsible for this project with the bid documents at the closing date and time of

the bid. Failure to do so may result in the disqualification of your bid.

closing date of the bid in a separate sealed envelope marked “pricing schedule/rental

proposal”. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in disqualification of your bid.

18.3. Failure to adhere to any of these requirements will result in disqualification:

iSimangalisoa RFP 23/2025 to appoint interim operator(s) to manage eco-tourism facilities

who will be responsible for this project with the bid documents at the closing date and time of

the bid. Failure to do so may result in the disqualification of your bid.

19. DRAFT TOURISM FACILITIES OPERATING AGREEMENT

19.1. Upon award iSimangaliso and the successful bidder will conclude a Tourism Facilities

Operating Agreement regulating the specific terms and conditions applicable to the services

being offered by iSimangaliso.

19.2. iSimangaliso reserves the right to vary the proposed draft Tourism Facilities Operating

Agreement during negotiations with a bidder by amending or adding thereto.

19.3. Bidder(s) are requested to:

19.3.1. Comment on draft Tourism Facilities Operating Agreement and where necessary, make

proposals to the thereof;

19.3.2. Explain each comment and/or amendment; and

19.3.3. Use an easily identifiable colour font or “track changes” for all changes and/or amendments

to the clauses in the draft agreement for ease of reference.

19.4. iSimangaliso reserves the right to accept or reject any or all amendments or additions

proposed by a bidder if such amendments or additions are unacceptable to iSimangaliso or

pose a risk to the organization.

19.5. NB: The Draft Tourism Facilities Operating Agreement is attached as a separate

annexure.

20. TOURISM FACILITIES OPERATOR AGREEMENT

20.1. Any award made under this RFP shall be strictly conditional upon the successful Bidder

entering into and signing the final Tourism Facilities Operator Agreement with iSimangaliso

upon award. No rights, entitlements, or expectations of commencement of operations shall

accrue to the successful Bidder until the final Tourism Facilities Operator Agreement has

been duly signed by all Parties.

20.2. Failure by the successful Bidder to sign the final Tourism Facilities Operator Agreement upon

award, or within any period stipulated by iSimangaliso, shall entitle iSimangaliso, at its sole

discretion and without prejudice to any other rights or remedies, to withdraw the award, cancel

the appointment, and/or appoint an alternative bidder.

20.3. The bidder(s) accepting the terms and conditions contained in the draft Tourism Facilities

Operator Contract as the minimum terms and conditions upon which iSimangaliso is prepared

to enter a contract with the successful Bidder(s).

iSimangalisoa RFP 23/2025 to appoint interim operator(s) to manage eco-tourism facilities

21. CONTRACT PRICE ADJUSTMENT

21.1. When applicable contract price adjustments will be done annually on the anniversary of the

contract start date. The price adjustment will be based on the CPI inflation or 8% whichever

is greater, where applicable.

22. SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF THIS BID

22.1. iSimangaliso reserves the right:

22.1.1. To award this tender to a bidder that did not score the highest total number of points, only in

accordance with section 2(1)(f) of the PPPFA (Act )

22.1.2. To negotiate with one or more preferred bidder(s) identified in the evaluation process,

regarding any terms and conditions, including price without offering the same opportunity to

any other bidder(s) who has not been awarded the status of the preferred bidder(s).

22.1.3. To accept part of a tender rather than the whole tender.

22.1.4. To carry out site inspections, product evaluations or explanatory meetings to verify the nature

and quality of the services offered by the bidder(s), whether before or after adjudication of

the Bid.

22.1.5. To correct any mistakes at any stage of the tender that may have been in the Bid documents

or occurred at any stage of the tender process.

22.1.6. To cancel and/or terminate the tender process at any stage, including after the Closing Date

and/or after presentations have been made, and/or after tenders have been evaluated and/or

after the preferred bidder(s) have been notified of their status as such.

22.1.7. Award to multiple bidders based either on size or geographic considerations.

23. iSIMANGALISO REQUIRES BIDDER(S) TO DECLARE

that the bidder(s) is to: –

23.1.1. Act honestly, fairly, and with due skill, care and diligence, in the interests of iSimangaliso;

23.1.2. Have and employ effectively the resources, procedures and appropriate technological

systems for the proper performance of the services;

23.1.3. Act with circumspection and treat iSimangaliso fairly in a situation of conflicting interests;

23.1.4. Comply with all applicable statutory or common law requirements applicable to the conduct

of business;

23.1.5. Make adequate disclosures of relevant material information including disclosures of actual

iSimangalisoa RFP 23/2025 to appoint interim operator(s) to manage eco-tourism facilities

or potential own interests, in relation to dealings with iSimangaliso;

23.1.6. Avoidance of fraudulent and misleading advertising, canvassing and marketing;

23.1.7. To conduct their business activities with transparency and consistently uphold the interests

and needs of iSimangaliso as a client before any other consideration; and

23.1.8. To ensure that any information acquired by the bidder(s) from iSimangaliso will not be used

or disclosed unless the written consent of the client has been obtained to do so.

24. CONFLICT OF INTEREST, CORRUPTION AND FRAUD

24.1.1. iSimangaliso reserves its right to disqualify any bidder who either itself or any of whose

members (save for such members who hold a minority interest in the bidder through shares

listed on any recognised stock exchange), indirect members (being any person or entity who

indirectly holds at least a 15% interest in the bidder other than in the context of shares listed

on a recognised stock exchange), directors or members of senior management, whether in

respect of iSimangaliso or any other government organ or entity and whether from the

Republic of South Africa or otherwise ("Government Entity")

24.1.2. engages in any collusive tendering, anti-competitive conduct, or any other similar conduct,

including but not limited to any collusion with any other bidder in respect of the subject matter

of this bid;

24.1.3. seeks any assistance, other than assistance officially provided by a Government Entity, from

any employee, advisor or other representative of a Government Entity to obtain any unlawful

advantage in relation to procurement or services provided or to be provided to a Government

Entity;

24.1.4. makes or offers any gift, gratuity, anything of value or other inducement, whether lawful or

unlawful, to any of iSimangaliso’s officers, directors, employees, advisors or other

representatives;

24.1.5. makes or offers any gift, gratuity, anything of any value or other inducement, to any

Government Entity's officers, directors, employees, advisors or other representatives in order

to obtain any unlawful advantage in relation to procurement or services provided or to be

provided to a Government Entity;

24.1.6. accepts anything of value or an inducement that would or may provide financial gain,

advantage or benefit in relation to procurement or services provided or to be provided to a

Government Entity;

24.1.7. pays or agrees to pay to any person any fee, commission, percentage, brokerage fee, gift or

any other consideration, that is contingent upon or results from, the award of any tender,

contract, right or entitlement which is in any way related to procurement or the rendering of

any services to a Government Entity;

iSimangalisoa RFP 23/2025 to appoint interim operator(s) to manage eco-tourism facilities

24.1.8. has in the past engaged in any matter referred to above; or

24.1.9. has been found guilty in a court of law on charges of fraud and/or forgery, regardless of

whether or not a prison term was imposed and despite such bidder, member or director’s

name not specifically appearing on the List of Tender Defaulters kept at National Treasury.

25. MISREPRESENTATION DURING THE LIFECYCLE OF THE CONTRACT

25.1. The bidder should note that the terms of its Tender will be incorporated in the proposed

contract by reference and that iSimangaliso relies upon the bidder’s Tender as a material

representation in making an award to a successful bidder and in concluding an agreement

with the bidder.

25.2. It follows therefore that misrepresentations in a Tender may give rise to service termination

and a claim by iSimangaliso against the bidder notwithstanding the conclusion of the Service

Level Agreement between iSimangaliso and the bidder for the provision of the Service in

question.

25.3. In the event of a conflict between the bidder’s proposal and the Service Level Agreement

concluded between the parties, the Service Level Agreement will prevail.

26. PREPARATION COSTS

26.1. The Bidder will bear all its costs in preparing, submitting and presenting any response or

Tender to this bid and all other costs incurred by it throughout the bid process. Furthermore,

no statement in this bid will be construed as placing iSimangaliso, its employees or agents

under any obligation whatsoever, including in respect of costs, expenses or losses incurred

by the bidder(s) in the preparation of their response to this bid.

27. INDEMNITY

27.1. If a bidder breaches the conditions of this bid and, as a result of that breach, iSimangaliso

incurs costs or damages (including, without limitation, the cost of any investigations,

procedural impairment, repetition of all or part of the bid process and/or enforcement of

intellectual property rights or confidentiality obligations), then the bidder indemnifies and holds

iSimangaliso harmless from any and all such costs which iSimangaliso may incur and for any

damages or losses iSimangaliso may suffer.

28. PRECEDENCE

iSimangalisoa RFP 23/2025 to appoint interim operator(s) to manage eco-tourism facilities

28.1. This document will prevail over any information provided during any briefing session whether

oral or written, unless such written information provided, expressly amends this document by

reference.

29. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

29.1. A bidder participates in this bid process entirely at its own risk and cost. iSimangaliso shall

not be liable to compensate a bidder on any grounds whatsoever for any costs incurred or

any damages suffered because of the Bidder’s participation in this Bid process.

30. TENDER DEFAULTERS AND RESTRICTED SUPPLIERS

30.1. No tender shall be awarded to a bidder whose name (or any of its members, directors,

partners or trustees) appear on the Register of Tender Defaulters kept by National Treasury,

or who have been placed on National Treasury’s List of Restricted Suppliers. iSimangaliso

reserves the right to withdraw an award, or cancel a contract concluded with a Bidder should

it be established, at any time, that a bidder has been blacklisted with National Treasury by

another government institution.

31. GOVERNING LAW

31.1. South African law governs this bid and the bid response process. The bidder agrees to submit

to the exclusive jurisdiction of the South African courts in any dispute of any kind that may arise

out of or in connection with the subject matter of this bid, the bid itself and all processes

associated with the bid.

32. RESPONSIBILITY FOR SUB-CONTRACTORS AND BIDDER’S PERSONNEL

32.1. A bidder is responsible for ensuring that its personnel (including agents, officers, directors,

employees, advisors and other representatives), its sub-contractors (if any) and personnel of

its sub-contractors comply with all terms and conditions of this bid. In the event that

iSimangaliso allows a bidder to make use of sub-contractors, such sub-contractors will at all

times remain the responsibility of the bidder and iSimangaliso will not under any circumstances

be liable for any losses or damages incurred by or caused by such sub-contractors.

33. CONFIDENTIALITY

iSimangalisoa RFP 23/2025 to appoint interim operator(s) to manage eco-tourism facilities

appropriate jurisdiction, no information contained in or relating to this bid or a bidder’s tender(s)

will be disclosed by any bidder or other person not officially involved with iSimangaliso’s

examination and evaluation of a Tender.

33.2. No part of the bid may be distributed, reproduced, stored or transmitted, in any form or by any

means, electronic, photocopying, recording or otherwise, in whole or in part except for the

purpose of preparing a Tender. This bid and any other documents supplied by iSimangaliso

request together with all copies, electronic versions, excerpts or summaries thereof or work

derived there from.

approval prior to the release of any information that pertains to (i) the potential work or

activities to which this bid relates; or (ii) the process which follows this bid. Failure to adhere

to this requirement may result in disqualification from the bid process and civil action.

iSimangaliso

33.5. The preferred bidder undertakes, at any time during the term of its appointment and after any

termination or cancellation thereof, directly or indirectly disclose, or directly or indirectly use,

whether for its own benefit or that of any other person any confidential information of

iSimangaliso including that of or any information relating to its clients, customers, suppliers,

donors, sponsors or agents.

34. iSIMANGALISO PROPRIETARY INFORMATION

34.1. Bidders will on their bid cover letter make declaration that they did not have access to any

iSimangaliso proprietary information or any other matter that may have unfairly placed that

bidder in a preferential position in relation to any of the other bidder(s).

35. SUPPLIER DUE DILIGENCE

35.1. iSimangaliso reserves the right to conduct supplier due diligence prior to final award or at any

time during the contract period. This may include but is not limited to conducting site visits at

the bidder’s corporate offices and requests for additional information.

35.2. The Bidder is responsible for its own due diligence investigation in connection with the Service

and all matters relating to this RFP. Neither iSimangaliso nor any of its officers, employees,

iSimangalisoa RFP 23/2025 to appoint interim operator(s) to manage eco-tourism facilities

agents or advisers make any representation or warranty, express or implied, concerning any

matter affecting.

35.3. The Service, other than the representations and undertakings of iSimangaliso Authority set

out in the Service Agreement.

35.4. It is iSimangaliso objective to promote the participation of historically disadvantaged

professionals through its Tourism Facilities Operators.

35.5. Bidders are requested to indicate in their proposals how they will assist iSimangaliso in

achieving this objective.

36. FRONTING

36.1. Government supports the spirit of broad based black economic empowerment and recognizes

that real empowerment can only be achieved through individuals and businesses conducting

themselves in accordance with the Constitution and in an honest, fair, equitable, transparent

and legally compliant manner. Against this background the Government condemn any form

of fronting.

36.2. The Government, in ensuring that Bidders conduct themselves in an honest manner will, as

part of the bid evaluation processes, conduct or initiate the necessary enquiries/investigations

to determine the accuracy of the representation made in bid documents. Should any of the

fronting indicators as contained in the Guidelines on Complex Structures and Transactions

and Fronting, issued by the Department of Trade and Industry, be established during such

enquiry investigation, the onus will be on the Bidder / contractor to prove that fronting does

not exist. Failure to do so within a period of 14 days from date of notification may invalidate

the bid / contract and may also result in the restriction of the Bidder /contractor to conduct

business with the public sector for a period not exceeding ten years, in addition to any other

remedies iSimangaliso may have against the Bidder / contractor concerned.

37. GENERAL

37.1. This RFP supersedes all other communications between the iSimangaliso Authority and the

Bidder.

37.2. The iSimangaliso Authority reserves the right to change the timetable or otherwise amend,

supplement or clarify this RFP at any time. The iSimangaliso Authority may cancel the tender

at any time without prior notice for any reason whatsoever and may disqualify any Bidder as

provided for in this RFP. The iSimangaliso Authority shall not incur any liability whatsoever in

exercising any rights in terms of this RFP or the laws of the Republic of South Africa.

37.3. The iSimangaliso Authority reserves the right to enter into other or additional agreements for

the same, similar or dissimilar services at any stage, at its sole discretion.

iSimangalisoa RFP 23/2025 to appoint interim operator(s) to manage eco-tourism facilities

38. CORRESPONDENCE & COMMUNICATION

via email to: [email protected]. No Bidder is permitted to correspond or communicate

with any member of an evaluation panel, any technical advisor or consultant to the iSimangaliso

Authority or board or staff member of the iSimangaliso Authority in relation to this tender, unless

prior written permission therefore has been obtained from the Official Bid Representative.

Failure to adhere to this stipulation may lead to disqualification.

38.2. No verbal agreement or conversation with, nor any verbal clarification from any officer or

employee of the iSimangaliso Authority or any of its advisors shall affect or modify any of the

terms and conditions contained in this RFP. Only written amendments, supplements or

clarifications to this RFP by the Official Bid Representative may be relied upon as authorised.

Communications sent by the Official Bid Representative to the Bidder via electronic mail shall

be deemed to be communication in writing.

38.3. Correspondence contemplated above may include questions for clarification by Bidders. Such

questions and the responses thereto shall thereafter be circulated to all Bidders.

38.4. In special circumstances, the Bidder may request that a question and the response thereto

be treated confidentially. In such an instance, the iSimangaliso Authority, in its sole discretion,

may either respond to the Bidder only, or may circulate the question and the answer to all

Bidders. The onus is on the Bidder to ensure that its correspondence is received by the

iSimangaliso Authority.