Objectives

The primary objectives of the tender are to appoint service providers to conduct five research projects that will generate evidence-based insights on key housing and human settlement issues in Gauteng. These studies aim to inform and develop responsive provincial policies, strategies, and frameworks, ensuring alignment with community needs, fostering intergovernmental collaboration, and promoting sustainable, inclusive, and equitable human settlements.

Scope

The scope encompasses the commissioning of five distinct research projects over a period of three months, focusing on:

• Evaluating mega project delivery and spatial transformation in Gauteng City Region.
• Analyzing the relationship between township proclamation and title deed issuance backlogs.
• Assessing the impact of 4IR technologies (BIM, Blockchain, UAVs) on construction and the built environment.
• Examining the use of the Expropriation Act in facilitating urban revitalization and housing delivery in Gauteng's CBDs.
• Investigating the influence of human settlements on the township economy.

Each project involves detailed research activities, data collection, analysis, and reporting, with deliverables aligned to the specific objectives of each study.

Technical Requirements

The technical requirements include:

• Development of comprehensive research methodologies tailored to each project, structured in phases such as inception, data collection, impact evaluation, and final reporting.
• Provision of detailed implementation plans, resource allocation, risk management, quality assurance, and monitoring frameworks.
• Engagement with relevant stakeholders through interviews, document analysis, case studies, and spatial data analysis.
• Adherence to legal, policy, and institutional frameworks, including compliance with the Public Finance Management Act, procurement regulations, and security screening protocols.
• Provision of qualified research teams with specified expertise, experience, and academic credentials, including data collectors, analysts, legal experts, and specialists in land administration and urban planning.
• Delivery of outputs such as research reports, policy recommendations, data analysis, and presentations within stipulated timelines.

Skills Requirements

The tender mandates the following skills and qualifications for the research teams:

• Research Expertise: Proven experience in conducting policy-relevant research in urban development, land management, housing, and socio-economic analysis.
• Academic Qualifications: Minimum of NQF Level 9 (Master’s or higher) in relevant fields such as urban planning, development studies, law, economics, or related disciplines.
• Data Analysis Skills: Proficiency in qualitative and quantitative analysis, including GIS, statistical software (e.g., SPSS, Stata), and thematic analysis.
• Legal and Land Administration Knowledge: Expertise in South African land laws, expropriation processes, property rights, and urban legislation.
• Technical Skills: Experience with 4IR technologies (BIM, Blockchain, UAVs), spatial data management, and digital tools relevant to construction and urban analysis.
• Project Management: Ability to develop detailed implementation plans, manage resources, and deliver quality outputs within tight deadlines.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Skills in conducting interviews, facilitating focus groups, and liaising with government officials, community members, and industry experts.
• Security and Compliance: Ability to undergo security screening and adhere to confidentiality and data protection protocols.