Edt 005-25: Establishing a Sandbox for Emerging Technologies and Innovation: Drones/uavs

The service provider must deliver all the outputs required to enable the formal designation

location, enabling the formal designation of the sandbox. The service provider must:

required for it.

the amendments required, including rationale where applicable. The service provider is

4.2.5. Determine whether an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is required for the sandbox

implementation and operation of the sandbox. Here, the service provider must:

a) Bidders must submit proposals inclusive of VAT before the bid closing date and time.

b) Bidders must be registered on Central Supplier Database (CSD).

c) Each party participating in a Joint Venture or Consortium must be tax compliant

and must provide a WCBD 4.

6.1. The bidder is required to submit the documents detailed below in addition to the

addition, the service provider’s proposal must contain at least the following headings and

The following documents are compulsory and must be submitted according to the table

that must be Disqualification Description/ Instructions

No specific requirements found

B-BBEE Minimum Level: 0

B-BBEE Details: Certificate / No To be submitted with the WCBD 6.1

Affidavit

8. EVALUATION METHODOLOGY

8.1. The Department will evaluate all proposals received in accordance with the following

phases: phases:

Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3

Pre-qualification Criteria Functional Evaluation Price & B-BBEE Evaluation

Criteria (if applicable)

Bidders must ensure all Bidders are required to achieve Phase 3 will only apply to

registration documentation a minimum threshold of 80% to bidders who have met and/or

proceed to Phase 3 (Price and exceeded the minimum on WCSEB are valid on or

BEE considerations). threshold of 80%. before the closing date and

time of the bid. Bidders with

expired WCBD 4 will be

disqualified.

8.2. Phase 1: Pre-qualification Criteria

Without any limitation in respect of the department’s other critical requirements relevant

to this Bid, prospective bidding service providers must ensure they comply with paragraph

5.

8.3. Phase 2: Compliant bids will, thereafter, be evaluated against the criteria and weights for

functionality depicted in the following table:

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Department of Economic Development and Tourism

1 – POOR 2 – FAIR 3 – AVERAGE 4 – GOOD 5 – EXCELLENT

Criteria: Functionality Weight Reference

1. Expertise 35

1.1

a) Demonstrated experience of the project team in civil aviation 20 6.3

and drones/UAV/RPAS sector. (measured in average number of

years)

Description Points

Less than 5 years of experience 1

5 years and up to 6 years of experience 3

>6 years and up to 7 years of experience 4

>7 years of experience 5

b) Team members holding a Bachelor of Law LLB or equivalent with

experience in the Civil Aviation regulatory environment (Number

of years’ experienced individual identified on the project

allocated to Civil Aviation regulatory environment)

Description Points

Less than 5 years of experience 1

5 years and up to 6 years of experience 3

>6 years and up to 7 years of experience 4

>7 years of experience 5

2. Professional Service Provider Experience 35

2.1 Number of years the service provider has been working in:

a) Civil aviation Drones/UAV and RPAS environment 6.1

Description Points

Less than 5 years of experience 1

5 years and up to 6 years of experience 3 15

More than 6 years and up to 7 years of 4

experience

>7 years of experience 5

b) Experience in business consulting and multi sector development

Description Points

Less than 5 years of experience 1

5 years and up to 6 years of experience 3 10

More than 6 years and up to 7 years of 4

experience

>7 years of experience 5

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Department of Economic Development and Tourism

Criteria: Functionality Weight Reference

2.2 Number of previous projects: A high-level overview of previous

projects undertaken of a similar scale related to Aviation,

10 6.1 Drones/UAVs/RPAS environment over the last ten (10) years. (Number

of projects implemented to be detailed by service provider).

Description Points

Less than 5 examples of similar/ comparable work 1

submitted

5 examples of similar/ comparable work submitted 3

6 or more examples of similar/ comparable work 5

submitted

3. Project Proposal and Methodology 30

3.1 Quality of project proposal, which clearly indicates the following: 30 6.2

a) Work breakdown structure

b) Timelines

c) Deliverables/outputs

d) Milestones

e) Resources and allocation thereof

f) Monitoring & Reporting

g) Communication &

h) Stakeholder management

i) Risks and Mitigations

Evaluators will consider:

a) Proposal demonstrates a clear understanding of the overall

DEDAT request and response is comprehensive.

b) Methodology, rationale and approach

c) Well-structured plan with sufficient detail related to planning

milestones leading up to the deliverables.

d) Any additional value-add

Description Points

Project plan covers none of the criteria above 1

Project plan covers only one of the criteria above 2

Project plan covers two of the criteria above 3

Project plan covers three of the criteria above 4

Project plan covers all four of the criteria above 5

Total 100

*Minimum Threshold 80%

*NB: Bids that score less than 80% of the points for functionality will be disqualified and not

evaluated further.

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Department of Economic Development and Tourism

8.4. Phase 3: Price and BBBEE Evaluation: Only Bidders that have met the 80-points threshold in

Phase 2 will be evaluated in Phase 3 for price and B-BBEE. Price and B-BBEE will be

evaluated as follows:

8.4.1. In terms of regulation 6 of the Preferential Procurement Regulations pertaining to the

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

be adjudicated on the 80/20-preference point system in terms of which points are

awarded to bidders on the basis of the bid price (maximum 80 points) and B-BBEE status

level of contributor (maximum 20 points).

8.4.2. A maximum of 20-points may be allocated to a bidder for attaining their B-BBEE status level

of contributor in accordance with the table below:

B-BBEE Status Level of Contributor Number of points (80/20 system)

1 20

2 18

3 14

4 12

5 8

6 6

7 4

8 2

Non-compliant contributor 0

8.4.3. B-BBEE points may be allocated to bidders on submission of the following documentation

or evidence:

a) A duly completed Preference Point Claim Form: Standard Bidding Document (WCBD

6.1); and

b) B-BBEE Certificate / Affidavit

9. DURATION OF CONTRACT

9.1. The Department expects to appoint a service provider during April 2026.

9.2. The contract will endure from the date of appointment of the successful bidder, for a

period of year.

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Department of Economic Development and Tourism

10. REPORTING AND MONITORING

10.1. The inception meeting will be used to clarify the scope and methodology of the work, the

scheduled payments, outline of relevant stakeholders and project deliverables.

10.2. The contracted service provider will submit a signed monthly progress report to the Project

Manager. The signed progress reports must be submitted by the agreed upon date for the

duration of the contract, which will be effective from the date of appointment for a period

of one (1) year. The payments will be released against the deliverables as well as the

approved progress reports as set out in the signed agreement.

10.3. The service provider will be required to report progress and consult with the Project Steering

Committee regularly to ensure alignment with project objectives and address any issues

that may arise

10.4. The contracted partner to meet with DEDAT’s nominated Project Manager at least once

per month to discuss the progress of the project including challenges, successes and way

forward on the project.

10.5. Monitoring to take place on a continuous basis during the implementation of the project.

10.6. On conclusion of the project the service provider will be required to present findings in

agreed upon format to key internal stakeholders identified by DEDAT.

11. BRIEFING SESSION

11.1. A non-compulsory briefing session will be held on the Wednesday, 25 February 2026 at

14:00 on MS Teams. Service providers that intend to attend the briefing session will be

required to register their interest to [email protected] by Tuesday, 24

February 2026 @ 16:00.

12. JOINT VENTURE / CONSORTIUM / TRUST

12.1. A joint venture, consortium or trust will qualify for points on evaluation of their B-BBEE status

level as a legal entity, provided that the entity submits the requisite B-BBEE status level

certificate.

12.2. Bidders must submit substantive proof of the existence of joint ventures and/or consortium

arrangements. The department will accept signed agreements as satisfactory proof for the

existence of a joint venture and/or consortium arrangement.

12.3. Joint venture and/or consortium agreements must clearly set out the roles and

responsibilities of the lead partner. The agreement must also clearly identify the lead

partner that is accordingly provided with a power of attorney to bind the other co-parties

in all matters pertaining to the joint venture and/or consortium arrangement.

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Department of Economic Development and Tourism

13. CONTRACTUAL ASPECTS

13.1. The contents of this document shall be deemed to constitute the Special Conditions of

Contract applicable to this bid and shall be read together with the General Conditions of

Contract issued in accordance with Chapter 16A of the Treasury Regulations.

13.2. Where, however, the Special Conditions of Contract are in conflict with the General

Conditions of Contract, the Special Conditions of Contract shall prevail.

13.3. The bid document, together with the specifications contained in this document, shall

constitute part of the Contract.

13.4. Bidders shall not perform any work or render any services in terms of the Contract unless in

receipt of a written instruction to this effect by the department.

13.5. The successful bidder may not assign its obligations.

13.6. The successful bidder must advise the Head of Department of Economic Development

and Tourism immediately when unforeseeable circumstances will adversely affect the

execution of the contract. Full particulars of such circumstances as well as the period of

delay must be furnished.

14. DISCLAIMER

14.1. Bidders must make and rely on their own investigations and satisfy themselves as to the

correctness of all aspects of the bid. The department will not be liable for any incorrect or

potentially misleading information in relation to any part of this document and any

accompanying bid documents.

14.2. The department reserves the right not to appoint any contracted partner who does not

comply with the conditions of this bid or if information is obtained by the department about

a bidder that could put the department at risk.

14.3. The department reserves the right to cancel this bid should the budget not be available at

the time of award to cover the full quote of this tender or if the need does not exist anymore

or the specification has changed.

15. ABSENCE OF OBLIGATION

15.1. No legal or other obligation shall arise between bidders and the department unless and

until the formal appointment documentation has been signed. The Department is not

obliged to proceed with any proposals of any bidder. The Department also reserves the

right to request changes to any proposed consortium.

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Department of Economic Development and Tourism

16. INDEMNITY

16.1. The successful bidder will indemnify, protect, defend and hold harmless the department

from and against any and all claims, demands, actions and proceedings whatsoever

including all fees, costs and expenses incurred in respect thereof arising out of:

a) Any claim of any taxes payable by the bidder.

b) Any claim for Workmen’s Compensation Insurance or for any loss for which the bidder

is liable.

c) Any claim by a third party including any employees of the department or of the

bidder for any loss resulting from any bodily injury and or damages to property by

any act or omission of the bidder or any of its employees, servants or agents.

17. FRONTING

17.1. The department supports the spirit of broad based black economic empowerment and

recognises that real empowerment can only be achieved through individuals and

businesses conducting themselves in accordance with the Constitution and garnering

opportunities in an honest, fair, equitable, transparent, and legally compliant manner.

Against this background the department strongly condemns any form of fronting.

17.2. The department, 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 in determining the accuracy of the representations made in bid documents

/ proposals. Should any of the fronting indicators as contained in the Guidelines on

Complex Structures and Transactions and Fronting, issued by the Department of Trade

Industry and Competition (“dtic”), be determined during such enquiry / investigation, the

onus will be on the bidder to prove that the allegation of 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 to conduct business with the public

sector for a period not exceeding 10-years, in addition to any other remedies the

department may have at its disposal and accordingly wish to institute against such bidder

concerned.

18. CONFLICT OF INTEREST, CORRUPTION AND FRAUD

18.1. The department reserves the right to disqualify any potential bidding agency who either

itself, or through any of its members (save for such members who hold a minority interest in

the bidding agency 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 the department or any other

department organ or entity and whether from the Republic of South Africa or otherwise:

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Department of Economic Development and Tourism

a) 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.

b) Seeks any assistance, other than assistance officially provided by a department, from

any employee, advisor or other representative of a department in order to obtain any

unlawful advantage in relation to the procurement or services provided or to be

provided to the department, officers, directors, employees, advisors or other

representatives.

c) Makes or offers any gift, gratuity, anything of any value or other inducement, to any

departmental 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 department.

d) 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 department.

e) 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

awarding of any tender, contract, right or entitlement which is in any way related to

procurement or the rendering of any services to the department.

f) Has in the past engaged in any matter referred to above.

g) 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 a bidding agency,

member or director’s name(s) not specifically appearing on the List of Tender

Defaulters kept at National Treasury.

19. MISREPRESENTATION DURING THE LIFECYCLE OF THE CONTRACT

19.1. The bidding agency should note that the terms of its tender will be incorporated in the

proposed contract by reference and that the department relies upon the bidder’s tender

as a material representation in making an award to a successful bidding agency and in

concluding an agreement with said bidding agency.

19.2 It follows therefore that misrepresentations in a tender may give rise to service termination

and a claim by the department against the bidder notwithstanding the conclusion of the

SLA between the Department and the bidding agency for the provision of the service(s) in

question. In the event of a conflict between the bidder’s proposal and the SLA concluded

between the parties, the contents of the SLA will prevail.

20. CONFIDENTIALITY

20.1. Except as may be required by the operation of law, by a court or by any regulatory

authority having appropriate jurisdiction, no information contained in- or relating to this bid

or a bidding agency’s bid will be disclosed by any bidder or other person not officially

involved with the department’s examination and evaluation of a bid.

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

any means, electronically, or by way of photocopying, recording or otherwise, in whole or

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Department of Economic Development and Tourism

in part except for the purpose of preparing a tender. This bid and any other documents

supplied by the Department remain proprietary to the department and must be promptly

returned to the department upon request, together with all copies, electronic versions,

excerpts or summaries thereof or work as a consequence derived there from.

20.3. Throughout this bid process and thereafter, bidding agencies must secure the

department’s written 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.

21. IMPORTANT NOTES TO BIDDER

21.1. The Department of Economic Development and Tourism conducts business in an ethical

and fair manner. Any procurement irregularities, bribery or other misconduct must be

reported to:

Postal address: PO Box 659, Cape Town, 8000

Email: [email protected]

Tel: 021 483 0901/0931

Fax: 021 483 0928

Street address: Atterbury House, 9 Riebeek Street, 9th Floor, Cape Town

Provincial Forensic Services 021 483 0931

National Anti-corruption Hotline 0800 701 701

End.

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Department of Economic Development and Tourism

Annexure A: Establishing a sandbox for emerging technologies and innovation:

Drones/UAVs

1.1 Global Trends and Growth of the Drone Industry

1.1.1. The global drone industry has seen rapid growth in recent years, driven by advancements

in technology and diverse applications across multiple sectors. Drones and Unmanned

Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have become indispensable tools for various businesses and

governmental organizations. Their capabilities extend from quick deliveries during peak

traffic times to conducting surveys in inaccessible or hazardous areas, demonstrating their

significant impact where traditional methods fall short.

1.1.2. This rapid adoption is akin to the transformative effect mobile phones had on Africa,

suggesting that drones could similarly revolutionize various sectors on the continent and

globally. The drone economy is projected to expand from US$15 billion in 2015 to US$90

billion by 2030, emphasizing the substantial economic opportunities ahead. However, to

fully capitalize on these opportunities, governments must establish favourable regulatory

environments that facilitate innovation while ensuring safety and compliance.

1.2. South Africa's Drone Market

1.2.1. South Africa stands out as one of Africa's most advanced drone markets, having been the

first country on the continent to implement drone industry regulations as early as 2015. This

regulatory foresight has positioned South Africa as a leader in drone technology, providing

a robust framework that supports both innovation and safety.

1.2.2. The Western Cape, with its dynamic economic landscape and technological

infrastructure, is poised to further drive this growth. The region's strategic initiatives aim to

foster an inclusive drone ecosystem that promotes economic development, innovation,

and job creation.

1.3. Key Drivers and Opportunities

1.3.1. Agriculture: Drones enhance precision farming techniques, offering improved crop

monitoring, irrigation management, and pest control, thereby boosting productivity and

sustainability.

1.3.2. Logistics and Delivery: Drones offer efficient solutions for last-mile delivery, particularly in

remote or underserved areas, reducing delivery times and costs.

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Department of Economic Development and Tourism

1.3.3 Mining: In the mining sector, drones provide advanced surveying, mapping, and

monitoring capabilities, improving operational safety and efficiency.

1.3.4. Infrastructure and Construction: Drones streamline site surveys, progress monitoring, and

safety inspections, reducing project timelines and costs.

1.3.5. Emergency Services: Drones enhance search and rescue operations, disaster response,

and medical deliveries, significantly improving public safety and emergency response.

1.3.6. Research and Development: Establishing a drone innovation centre can attract research

institutions and tech companies, fostering a culture of innovation and technological

advancement

1.3.7. Globally, countries and businesses are viewing the drones and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

(UAVs) sector as a significant opportunity to bolster economic growth. The rapid

advancement and adoption of drone technology has revolutionized various industries. By

enabling efficient, cost-effective, and safe operations in areas traditionally challenging for

human intervention, drones are driving innovation and productivity. Governments

recognize the potential economic benefits and are establishing supportive regulatory

frameworks to foster the development and integration of drones. Businesses leverage

drones for enhanced data collection, improved delivery systems, and advanced

surveillance, positioning themselves competitively in a technology-driven market.

1.3.8. Key issues inhibiting growth of the sector includes:

1.3.8.1 Regulatory Hurdles: Navigating and refining drone regulations to accommodate

advanced operations such as BVLOS and autonomous flights.

1.3.8.2 Infrastructure Development: Establishing the necessary infrastructure, including testing

sites, airspace management systems, and data transmission networks.

1.3.8.3 Funding: Securing funding for the development and operation of the regulatory

sandbox and related initiatives.

1.3.8.4 Skills and Training: Developing local expertise through education and capacity-

building programs to ensure a skilled workforce for the drone industry.

1.3.8.5 Public Acceptance: Addressing public concerns around privacy, safety, and security

to gain broader acceptance of drone technology.

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Department of Economic Development and Tourism

1.3.9. In South Africa, these challenges have allowed other African countries such as Kenya,

which has a generally more relaxed regulatory environment to surpass us. In order to seize

this opportunity, the local drone industry requires a more supportive regulatory framework.

1.4. Strategic Growth Challenges

The primary challenge for South African regulators is to reform existing regulations to better enable

the drone sector's economic growth while balancing safety and other practical concerns. This

includes establishing regulatory sandboxes where operators, manufacturers and regulators can

innovate, test applications, and gain insights into effective regulatory frameworks. By doing so,

South Africa can better support the industry's development and address both economic and

safety concerns, ensuring a balanced approach to fostering innovation and protecting public

interests.

1.5. Definition of Regulatory Sandbox

1.5.1. For the purposes of the Project and the development thereof, the following definition has

been used for a “regulatory sandbox”.

A regulatory sandbox is a tool which government and regulators use to develop evidence-

based research around how a new product, technology or business model works within a

market and the novel outcomes which may result. The evidence gathered may either

confirm or disprove regulatory concerns about the impact of the innovation and can assist

innovations to reach the marketplace in a business and regulation-friendly manner.

1.5.2. The implementation of regulatory sandbox by the Department holds immense strategic

value for the Western Cape, South Africa and the broader region in the following ways:

• Creates a globally recognised hub for drone technology and innovation.

• Positions the Western Cape as a leader in the drone technology field.

• Serves as a cornerstone for broader economic and technological advancement.

• Fosters the broader intent of developing tech and innovation local talent.

• Stimulates R&D activities related to drones and associated applications and industries.

• Encourages growth of supporting industries such as data analytics, software

development, and advanced manufacturing.

• Contributes to the potential of developing drone airport corridors for seamless drone

operations (as the opportunity grows).

• Facilitates applications in other sectors.

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Department of Economic Development and Tourism

• Expected socio-economic benefits include job creation, skills development, and

promotion of STEM education whilst attracting investment into the region.

1.6. Business Case for the Project

In September 2024, DEDAT commissioned the development of a business case through tender

ECON 048-24 entitled Establishing a Regulatory Sandbox for Emerging Technologies and

Innovation: Drones and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). This was completed in March 2025 and

defined the strategic, operational, financial, and implementation approaches for establishing the

regulatory sandbox in the Western Cape. It serves as the foundational document guiding the

successful establishment and sustainability of the drone sandbox. This included input from

government, industry and academia, and assessed the strategic, technical, regulatory and

economic implications of the initiative. Its primary objective was to identify a viable

implementation framework and provide recommendations on the operational design,

governance model, and optimal location for the sandbox. This work aimed to align with national

regulatory frameworks and support inclusive growth through innovation, investment attraction,

and skills development within the drone ecosystem. The output of the above is hereinafter referred

to as “the Business Case”.

Due to matters related to IP (Intellectual Property), the full outputs of the Business Case cannot be

shared with prospective bidders at this stage. However, pertinent extracts are provided below

which provide sufficient context for this TOR and to define Stage1 pre-establishment.

1.7. Approach to the Stage 1 Preliminary Establishment:

In keeping with international best practice, the Business Case called for a phased approach for

gradual and scalable implementation, ensuring the sandbox evolves from a minimum viable

operational sandbox to a fully operational one. The phased approach was based on four key

assumptions:

1. Creating a future-proofed airspace and the long-term incorporation of Unmanned Traffic

Management (UTM).

2. Incorporating international best practices, with a focus on Beyond Visual Line of Sight

(BVLOS) as a critical element for scaling.

3. Employing Flexible Use Airspace (FUA) for initial development.

4. Ensuring the sandbox remains a testing area that moves into commercial viability, supporting

both small and large stakeholders. Given the role of the Western Cape Government (WCG),

it is crucial that the sandbox is for both small and large stakeholders and that preference is

not given only to larger commercial operators.

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Department of Economic Development and Tourism

Error! Reference source not found. below shows the progressive evolution of the sandbox.

Figure 1 Phased approach of the project

1 Source: DEDAT Business Case, 2025

The phased implementation strategy focused on the key components essential for deploying the

sandbox, including resources, infrastructure, airspace requirements, use cases, approval

requirements and high-level concepts of operations (CONOPS). This approach translates WCG’s

vision into practical, scalable and measurable actions ensuring safe, sustainable, publicly

accepted and economically impactful drone operations.

1 The 2025 Business Case: Establishing a Regulatory Sandbox for Emerging Technologies and Innovation: Drones and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)

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Department of Economic Development and Tourism

1.7.1. Ground and airspace analysis

The Business Case highlighted that the development of a sandbox is a new concept in the market

that required that attention be given to various factors when assessing the ground and airspace

requirements, ten of which have been considered in the Business Case. Given the complexity and

security risk associated with airspace, the initial process to address aviation risk was given high

priority, with other issues addressed using a systematic process.

Figure 2: Ground & Airspace Requirements

Ground requirements included minimizing interference from external factors, managing obstacles

and hazards within the ground footprint to comply with safety and operational standards, and

implementing security measures to control site access. The ground footprint must support safe and

efficient drone operations, considering environmental and sustainability impacts.

Sandbox placement involved the geographic location of the sandbox volume (3D airspace). It

required assessing the ground footprint in different locations for safety risk, accessibility, regulatory

compliance, terrestrial zoning, public acceptance, and security. The Ground and Airspace-

related Risk Model was developed to assess various sandbox placement locations in terms of

safety risk. The goal was to balance reducing aviation risk with increasing accessibility and

economic benefits.

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Department of Economic Development and Tourism

Figure 3: Illustration of Safety, Accessibility & Economics

Other risk factors considered included climatic risks such as wind, ambient temperatures, rainfall,

and visibility.

The application of the above tools and analysis lay the foundation for the minimum viable

requirements in terms of ground and airspace, with a strong focus on safety and risk mitigation.

The development of a safe, properly constituted, and designed set of parameters to guide the

selection of an appropriate location for the Western Cape drone sandbox was critical in ensuring

its longevity and positive impact.

1.7.2. Location selection and site analysis

Saldanha Bay emerged as the strongest candidate, ranking highest due to its strong aviation

feasibility, moderate infrastructure readiness and partial industry acceptance.

Various interactions have taken place with the leadership and key stakeholders in the Saldanha

Bay Municipality. They have expressed keen interest in being the pilot target destination for the

Sandbox.

While this Terms of Reference is focused on the implementation of Stage 1 Preliminary

Establishment: Phase A and B (see Figure 1: Western Cape UAV/Drone Sandbox implementation

Model) in preparations for Stage 2 Phase 1: the Minimum Viable Operational Sandbox, it is

important that the service provider considers the broader infrastructure, systems, and operational

models required for Stage 2:Phases 2 and 3.

Phases A and B will precede Phase 1that will establish the basic infrastructure necessary to initiate

safe and compliant VLOS and EVLOS operations. However, future scalability, particularly in terms

of airspace integration and expanded ground area, must be factored into the design and

planning. As the project progresses, technical requirements will evolve to support more advanced

capabilities such as BVLOS operations, dynamic airspace management, and integration with

national and international aviation systems.

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Department of Economic Development and Tourism

1.8. Stage 1: Preliminary Establishment Phase A and B objective (Current Scope of Work

- SOW)

Phase A (Preliminary Foundations) centres on securing all necessary regulatory approvals,

establishing governance and public-private partnership (PPP) structures, and initiating stakeholder

engagement to build trust and participation. It includes securing initial infrastructure funding and

creating the institutional and regulatory framework required for sandbox designation.

Phase B focuses on operationalising the sandbox by developing dedicated testing areas,

integrating initial UTM systems for basic airspace management, and identifying Detect-and-Avoid

(DAA) technologies for testing to support future BVLOS operations. This phase involves conducting

risk-based compliance trials with South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA), developing

standard operating procedures (SOPs) for safe and compliant operations, and collaborating with

research partners to validate technologies and begin early commercial pilot projects.

The key success metrics are achieving full regulatory approval for sandbox designation in Phase

A, and completing SACAA-approved VLOS/EVLOS test flights with validated compliance in

Phase B.

1.9. Stage 2: Phase 1 Objective (for Phase A and B future considerations) (see Figure 1 Phased

approach of the project)

Note: This is not part of the current scope of work but must be considered when implementing

Stage 1: Preliminary Establishment Phase A and B)

Following on from Stage 1: Phase A and B, the objective of Stage 2: Sub-Phase1 is to set up the

sandbox and initiate operations (Visual Line of Site (VLOS) and Extended Visual Line of Sight

(EVLOS)). Stage 2: Phase 1 focuses on deploying essential infrastructure and operational facilities

such as communications systems and a control centre coupled with sensitivity to implementation

speed.

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Department of Economic Development and Tourism

Figure 4

Further to these requirements, actions or milestones for Phase 1, there is a focus on establishing the

foundational infrastructure and operational framework required to initiate safe, compliant and

scalable drone operations, incorporating VLOS and EVLOS, with the introduction of BVLOS

operations.

Hence, from the above, Stage 2: Phase 1 aims to create a controlled environment to test and

refine key technologies, regulatory processes and operational models. It will also mitigate risk, build

stakeholder confidence and generate early successes to support the broader strategic vision of

the WCG sandbox initiative as detailed in parameters below.

www.westerncape.gov.za29

Department of Economic Development and Tourism

Figure 5

1.10. Conclusion and summary requirements

Based on the above, the Department seeks to appoint a service provider to implement this Stage

1: Preliminary Establishment, which will establish the foundational infrastructure, operational

framework, and regulatory alignment necessary to initiate safe, compliant, and scalable drone

operations. This work will lay the groundwork for future expansion and position the Western Cape

as a leader in drone innovation and integrated airspace management.

www.westerncape.gov.za30

Department of Economic Development and Tourism