Objectives

The primary objective of this project is to revitalize the existing Industrial Incubation Hub in Soweto by identifying current challenges and repositioning it as a sustainable, demand-driven, and high-impact facility. The aim is to create a dynamic platform that supports entrepreneurship, innovation, and small enterprise development, especially in high-impact economic sectors. The revitalization will focus on improving governance, securing funding, refining sector focus, and enhancing innovation programming. Ultimately, the goal is to transform the hub into a high-performing, future-ready facility that accelerates business growth, promotes job creation, and contributes to local economic development.

Scope

The service provider will develop a comprehensive approach and methodology to create a business case and concept plan aligned with the City’s objectives. The scope includes:

• Understanding entrepreneurial activities across various factors (formal/informal, size, current and future needs, education, income levels).
• Engaging stakeholders through proactive and accessible public participation mechanisms, including consultations with city departments, government agencies, community groups, and external stakeholders such as tertiary institutions and TVET colleges.
• Designing and implementing stakeholder engagement strategies, including meetings, presentations, and work sessions.
• Assessing infrastructure, surrounding land uses, and other relevant contextual factors.
• Developing detailed work plans, timelines, project deliverables, risk assessments, and mitigation strategies.
• Producing a stakeholder socioeconomic profile and engagement report.
• Formulating a feasible concept plan for the revitalized hub, incorporating stakeholder feedback.

Technical Requirements

The technical requirements for the tender include:

• Development of a detailed methodology for the project, including stakeholder engagement and risk management.
• Preparation of work plans, timelines, and project milestones.
• Delivery of a comprehensive business case and concept plan, including reports and presentations for review and feedback.
• Engagement with internal and external stakeholders to gather inputs and ensure inclusivity.
• Design and production of 3D models and visualizations as needed.
• Adherence to project duration of 6 months from contract commencement.
• Compliance with occupational health and safety regulations.
• Provision of all necessary resources, including qualified personnel with relevant expertise and registration (e.g., SACPLAN, SACAP).
• Preparation of risk mitigation measures and project management documentation.

Skills and Experience Requirements

The service provider must demonstrate:

• Experience in developing business cases and concept plans for incubation or innovation hubs.
• Participation expertise in urban planning, architecture, and economic development.
• Proven ability to engage stakeholders effectively, including community participation specialists.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to deliver within a 6-month timeframe.
• Qualified personnel, including:
• Town/Urban and Regional Planners (registered with SACPLAN, minimum NQF Level 7)
• Architects (registered with SACAP)
• Economists or economic analysts (minimum NQF Level 7)
• Capability to produce detailed reports, visualizations, and stakeholder engagement documentation.
• Experience in working with government departments, community groups, and tertiary institutions.
• Knowledge of local economic sectors, entrepreneurial needs, and urban land use planning.