Panel of human resources recruitment services – three-year RFP for SABC

The tender is for the appointment of a panel of human resources recruitment services for a period of three years. Bidders must submit a reference letter from a client confirming the level of service rendered, completed on the client's letterhead.

Returnable documents: the completed Annexure C reference letter template, completed on the client's letterhead, must be submitted with the bid.

Bidders must have a good reputation and must not have any conflict of interest with the South African Broadcasting Corporation Limited.

Bidders must provide a reference letter from a client confirming the level of service rendered in current or previous legal matters. The reference letter must be completed on the client's letterhead, not the bidder's, and must include ratings for quality of services, turnaround times, accessibility and availability, and reliability.

The SABC requires the services of reputable recruitment agencies to provide comprehensive recruitment solutions for vacant positions on an as-and-when-required basis. These services will support the organisation in attracting, assessing, and securing suitably qualified candidates in alignment with its strategic objectives. The agencies will be responsible for sourcing suitable candidates across various positions within the organisation, thereby contributing to the achievement of SABC's strategic goals and operational requirements. Agencies will be responsible for advertising vacancies on appropriate and targeted platforms to attract a diverse and qualified talent pool.

Bid Advertisement Date: 21 August 2026. Non-compulsory briefing session: 28 August 2026 @ 09:00, virtual via Microsoft Teams (link: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/351715043701285?p=kuNv1CTLGLGpZ9i1wr, Meeting ID: 351 715 043 701 285, Passcode: CP9sY9Wj). See Annexure A for guidelines. Bid Closing Date and Time: 14 September 2026 @ 12:00pm. Closing time for clarification of queries: 3 days before the deadline for bid submission.

A non-compulsory briefing session will be held on 28 August 2026 @ 09:00. Venue/Link: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/351715043701285?p=kuNv1CTLGLGpZ9i1wr, Meeting ID: 351 715 043 701 285, Passcode: CP9sY9Wj. See Annexure A for guidelines.

All enquiries must be addressed to: Tender Office, SCM Division, Radio Park Office Block, Henley Road, Auckland Park, Johannesburg, South Africa. E-mail: [email protected]. The single point of entry for queries is [email protected]. Unauthorised communication with any other SABC personnel may result in disqualification.

Bids must be submitted electronically via email to [email protected] in a PDF format protected from modifications. The email subject line must include the Bidder's Name, Tender No and Tender Title. Bids must be emailed at least 60 minutes before closing time; late submissions will not be accepted. The SABC is not responsible for transmission failures, file size, illegibility, or security of bid data. Bidders must complete and sign the RFP document and initial all pages. No alterations to the proposal are permitted after closing. Returnable documents include: SARS PIN, valid B-BBEE certificate or sworn affidavit (EME/QSE), proof of TV licence statement or affidavit, certified company registration document, certified shareholders' certificates, certified ID documents of directors/members, last three years' audited/reviewed financial statements or management accounts, completed Questionnaire (Document C), SBD 4 Declaration of Interest, SBD 8 Declaration of Past SCM Practices, SBD 9 Certificate of Independent Bid Determination, and the SABC vendor form. Bidders must also register on the CSD (https://secure.csd.gov.za).

Returnable documents include: SARS PIN, BBBEE certificate or affidavit, TV license statement or affidavit, company registration document, shareholders' certificates, ID documents of directors/members, financial statements, completed questionnaire (Document C), Declaration of Interest (SBD 4), Declaration of Bidder's Past SCM Practices (SBD 8), Certificate of Independent Bid Determination (SBD 9), and vendor form (SABC supplier registration).

Only bidders who fully comply with mandatory documents are evaluated for functionality. Functionality evaluation (paper-based, generic phase 1) has a minimum threshold of 72 out of 100 points. Criteria: Service Provider Relevant Experience (40 points) - reference letters on client letterhead demonstrating recruitment services in the past five years, with details of Employment Equity placements; Employment Equity placements (20 points) - >9 placements at Executive Level, >14 at Senior Management Level, >4 at persons with disabilities level within the last 3 years; Professional Registration (5 points) - proof of membership with a professional recruitment body; Qualifications and Expertise of Account Manager (15 points) - NQF level 6 qualification and at least 5 years' experience in recruitment; Sourcing Methodology, Resources & Tools (15 points) - comprehensive brief on sourcing methodology, headhunting, screening, competency assessments, candidate verification, and use of recruitment technology; Application of Innovative Technologies (5 points) - use of Applicant Tracking System (ATS) ensuring objective and skills-based selection; Maximum Turnaround Time (10 points) - evidence of turnaround times from brief to offer for headhunting roles (6 weeks or less) and management roles (8 weeks or less); Psychometric assessment (10 points) - proof of HPCSA registration for the practitioner. Bidders scoring below 72 points will not be considered. The SABC may require presentations or answers to questions during evaluation. Objective criteria: bidders in litigation with SABC, with poor performance records, or blacklisted may be excluded. No SABC former employees, board members, or independent contractors within cooling-off periods.

The SABC requires the services of reputable recruitment agencies to provide comprehensive recruitment solutions for vacant positions on an as-and-when-required basis. Agencies will be responsible for sourcing suitable candidates across various positions, advertising vacancies on appropriate platforms, and supporting the organisation in attracting, assessing, and securing suitably qualified candidates. Services include: Headhunting - executive searches and headhunting, including in the Media Industry, presenting candidates, arranging and conducting assessments, and constant communication with stakeholders. Recruitment - candidate search, advertising positions, consolidating results into shortlists, presenting shortlists and long lists, ranking long-lists, arranging and conducting assessments, sourcing and submitting suitable CVs, arranging interviews (SABC conducts official interviews), coordinating paperwork, conducting psychometric assessments for designated roles, and pre-screening candidates (credit checks, background checks, qualification verification, criminal checks). Service Standards and Quality - agencies must sign confidentiality and indemnity agreements, sign a service level agreement per assignment, update SABC on progress, declare any conflict of interest, and turn over all records and information after assignment completion. Agencies are not guaranteed any work under this RFP. The contract period is three (3) years.

Bidders must submit a comprehensive brief demonstrating sourcing methodology, resources and tools, including recruitment methodology, sourcing, headhunting, screening, competency assessments, and candidate verification processes. Use of recruitment technology and innovative methods beyond standard job boards, demonstrating access to a broad network of executive talent across industries. The brief will be scored: exceeds standard requirements (15 points), adequately meets (9 points), insufficient (0 points).

Provide reference letters on client letterhead demonstrating experience in recruitment services in the past five years. Provide CV of the account manager with minimum NQF level 6 qualification and at least 5 years' experience in the recruitment industry. Evidence of placements at Executive, Senior Management, and persons with disabilities levels. Proof of professional registration with a recruitment body or HPCSA for psychometric assessments.

Prices must be quoted in South African Rand inclusive of VAT. Prices must be fixed for the first year and subject to increase of not more than CPI. Prices should be inclusive of all costs. The panel will operate on a fixed rate. Annexure B provides the cost model/schedule of rates.

Prices must be quoted in South African Rand inclusive of VAT. Prices must be fixed for the first year and subject to increase of not more than the applicable CPI. Prices should be inclusive of all costs for the duration of the project. The panel will operate on a fixed rate. Annexure B provides the cost model/schedule of rates. Payment terms are 60 days from date of invoice. Bidders must provide liability insurance as a condition of contract. No change in bid prices will be accepted after receipt and before award.

Bidders must be registered on the CSD (Central Supplier Database) and have a valid SARS Compliance Status PIN. Bidders must submit a valid B-BBEE certificate from a SANAS accredited Verification Agency; EMEs and 51% black-owned QSEs may submit a sworn affidavit confirming annual total revenue and level of black ownership. The winning bidder must maintain or improve the B-BBEE level at which the tender was awarded. Bidders must provide proof of valid TV licence statement (company, shareholders, and all directors) or an affidavit proving no TV licence. Bidders must submit certified copies of company registration document, shareholders' certificates, and ID documents of directors/members. Bidders must submit last three years' audited/reviewed financial statements or management accounts. No contract will be awarded to bidders whose tax and TV licence matters are not in order. Misrepresentation or fronting is prohibited and constitutes a criminal offence. Bidders must complete and submit SBD 4 (Declaration of Interest), SBD 8 (Declaration of Bidder's Past Supply Chain Management Practices), and SBD 9 (Certificate of Independent Bid Determination). Bidders must also complete the SABC vendor form and register on the CSD.

Bidders must submit a valid BBBEE certificate from a SANAS accredited Verification Agency. EMEs and 51% black-owned QSEs may submit a sworn affidavit confirming annual total revenue and level of black ownership. The winning bidder is required to maintain or improve the B-BBEE level at which the tender was awarded. Misrepresentation constitutes a criminal offence and will result in rejection.

The bid remains valid for 180 days from bid closing. Bidders must provide liability insurance. Payment terms are 60 days from invoice. No assignment of contract without prior written approval. Representations in the bid are binding. The SABC may monitor the contract, audit the successful bidder, and terminate if in its best interest. The SABC is not liable for costs of bidding. The SABC may cancel the bid at any time due to change in business requirements, budget unavailability, tender irregularity, or non-responsive bids. Bidders must not cede or delegate obligations without prior written approval. The SABC may undertake post-bid negotiations with preferred or short-listed bidders.

Special conditions: The SABC will not procure from employees, former employees (within 24 months), non-executive members, independent contractors, or board members. Cooling-off periods apply. The SABC has zero tolerance to theft, fraud and corruption. Bidders must declare any conflict of interest. The SABC reserves the right to cancel the bid at any time.

Required documents: SARS PIN to validate tax matters; Original or certified copy of valid BBBEE Certificate (from SANAS accredited Verification Agency); EMEs and 51% black-owned QSEs must provide sworn affidavit confirming annual total revenue and level of black ownership; Proof of valid TV License Statement or affidavit; Certified copy of Company Registration Document; Certified copy of Shareholders' certificates; Certified copy of ID documents of Directors or Members; Last three years audited/reviewed financial statements or Management Accounts. No contract will be awarded to bidders whose tax and TV licence matters are not in order.

Evaluation criteria: Functionality evaluation (paper-based, generic phase 1) with a minimum threshold of 72 out of 100 points. Criteria include: Service Provider Relevant Experience (40 points) - reference letters on client letterhead demonstrating recruitment services in the past five years; Employment Equity placements (20 points) - placements at Executive, Senior Management, persons with disabilities levels; Professional Registration (5 points); Qualifications and Expertise of Account Manager (15 points) - NQF level 6 qualification and experience; Sourcing Methodology, Resources & Tools (15 points); Application of Innovative Technologies (5 points) - ATS usage; Maximum Turnaround time (10 points) - evidence of turnaround times for headhunting and management roles; Psychometric assessment (10 points) - HPCSA registration. Bidders scoring below 72 points will not be considered.