Tender Summary: Service Provider to Clear Invasive Alien Plants – Umhlathuze

Objectives

The primary objective is the early-stage eradication and control of the invasive alien plant Furcraea foetida across designated sites in Umhlathuze, KwaZulu-Natal. This initiative aims to prevent ecological spread, reduce long-term management costs, and support national biodiversity conservation targets. Additionally, the project seeks to generate temporary employment opportunities aligned with government job creation mandates while enforcing strict health, safety, and environmental compliance standards.

Scope

The successful bidder will survey specified localities, manually and chemically clear all targeted invasive vegetation, and systematically collect geospatial and ecological data using GPS tracking devices. The contract spans two financial years (2026–2027 and 2027–2028), initially requiring approximately 51 working days per year, with provisions for catch-up plans or additional duties if milestones are completed ahead of schedule. The contractor must supply all personnel, transport, trailers, protective gear, clearing tools, and herbicide application equipment. Operations will be monitored by institute staff and landowners, with any substandard work requiring rectification outside the original contract period. Compensation is structured as a daily wage contract based on verified person-days worked.

Technical Requirements

• Legal & Financial Compliance: Valid COIDA certificate and letter of good standing; public liability insurance covering a minimum of one million rand.
• Transport: A roadworthy long-base bakkie and licensed trailer meeting construction vehicle specifications, including labor railings or canopies, revolving orange warning lamps, secured bench seating with seatbelts, visible speed limits, and current license disks.
• PPE & Equipment: Full personal protective equipment (overalls, herbicide respirators, chainsaw guards, aprons, reflector vests, goggles); field tools (chainsaws, ropes, harnesses, step ladders, hand tools, measuring tapes); herbicide handling kits; and a fully stocked medical aid bag.
• Administrative & Reporting: Provision of data collection materials, submission of GPS coordinates and clearing records, and adherence to daily reporting protocols to project coordinators.
• Documentation: Central Supplier Database registration proof, completed team structure tables, certified copies of qualifications, proof of local residence for beneficiaries, and reference letters detailing past performance.

Skills Requirements

• A physically capable team of twelve individuals, comprising a supervisor/team leader, two certified herbicide applicators, four general workers, one driver, two health and safety representatives, and two first aiders.
• At least sixty percent of the workforce must be recruited from local communities.
• Demonstrated experience in invasive plant clearing combined with GPS-based data collection, with preference awarded to candidates possessing three to four or more years of relevant track records.
• All personnel must hold valid certifications in pesticide control operations, herbicide application, occupational health and safety, and first aid level one.
• Proficiency in species-specific removal techniques, electronic data logging, and routine progress reporting.

Key Terms Explained

• EPWP (Expanded Public Works Programme): A South African government framework that delivers public infrastructure and environmental services while generating short-term employment for unemployed citizens.
• COIDA: Legislation mandating employer contributions to a compensation fund that covers employees’ medical expenses and lost wages resulting from work-related injuries or occupational diseases.
• PCO Certification: Official authorization required for personnel who supervise or apply pesticides, ensuring strict compliance with safe chemical handling and environmental protection protocols.
• 80/20 Preference Point System: A public procurement evaluation model where eighty percent of scoring is based on competitive pricing, and twenty percent is allocated to socio-economic development goals such as historically disadvantaged ownership, female leadership, youth employment, and disability inclusion.