Objectives

The primary objective is to appoint a qualified service provider to repair the walls and fully reconstruct the thatched roof of the Hartbeeshuisie (a traditional Afrikaner house) at the Free State National Botanical Garden. The project aims to preserve the structure's historical integrity, maintain facility standards, and ensure visitor safety through targeted renovation works.

Scope of Work

• Remove all existing interior and exterior plaster and treat structural wall cracks.
• Apply a three-coat plaster system: an interior traditional mud mixture and an exterior cement-sand mix finished with red oxide.
• Dismantle and remove the existing thatched roof and underlying wooden structure.
• Construct a new roof framework using creosote-treated battens and rafters with specified dimensions, lengths, and spacing.
• Rethatch the roof using approved thatching grass to a minimum thickness of 200mm.
• Replace the concrete ridge capping with a reinforced, waterproofed assembly incorporating wire mesh and underlay.
• Ensure environmentally compliant disposal of all demolished plaster and thatch materials.

Technical Requirements

• Strict adherence to prescribed material ratios, coating thicknesses (18mm, 10mm, 10mm), and dimensional tolerances for all structural and finishing components.
• Compliance with relevant South African National Standards (SANS) for timber treatment, lath/batten specifications, and roofing assemblies.
• Installation of a polyolefin waterproofing membrane (minimum 250 micrometres) beneath the ridge capping.
• Chemical preservation of all load-bearing timber using creosote to prevent biological degradation.
• Submission of detailed, VAT-inclusive cost breakdowns aligned with each specification item.
• Development of a comprehensive project methodology outlining activities, timelines, deliverables, and key resource responsibilities.

Skills and Experience Requirements

• Minimum of one year of relevant experience in traditional building restoration or thatched roofing, with progressive scoring for longer track records.
• Submission of signed reference letters summarizing past contract values, durations, and performance outcomes from the preceding five years.
• Curriculum Vitae for key personnel demonstrating direct experience in comparable heritage or rural construction projects.
• Proven ability to manage site logistics, material sourcing, and skilled labour coordination for vernacular architecture.
• Mandatory compliance documentation: valid B-BBEE certificate or sworn affidavit, Central Suppliers Database (CSD) registration report, COIDA Letter of Good Standing, public liability insurance proof, and briefing attendance certificate.

Explanation of Unusual or Complicated Terms

• Hartbeeshuisie: A traditional Afrikaner vernacular dwelling requiring specialized restoration techniques that prioritize historical authenticity over modern construction methods.
• Mud Plaster Mixture: A traditional interior wall finish combining clay, cow dung, and cement in a precise ratio to provide natural breathability, thermal insulation, and cultural accuracy.
• Thatching Grass Specifications: Mandates specific native species (Hyperenia hirta or Hyperenia filipendula) harvested after summer rains, thoroughly dried, and meticulously cleaned of seeds and foliage to ensure weather resistance, longevity, and uniform appearance.
• Creosote Treatment: A petroleum-based wood preservative applied to structural timbers to protect against fungal decay, termites, and moisture ingress, critical for extending the lifespan of exposed wooden frameworks.
• B-BBEE Preference Points: A South African public procurement mechanism awarding additional evaluation points based on company ownership demographics (black, female, and disabled ownership) to advance economic transformation and equity.
• COIDA Letter of Good Standing: A statutory compliance document issued by the Department of Labour confirming the contractor's active registration and payment status under the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act, guaranteeing mandatory worker injury coverage.