Objectives

The primary objective is to eradicate localized populations of invasive alien plant species, specifically Cylindropuntia pallida, across Bethulie Town and Orange River Guest Farm in the Northern Cape and Free State regions. Early intervention aims to prevent further ecological spread, reduce long-term management costs, and support national biodiversity conservation targets through systematic detection and removal.

Scope of Work

The successful service provider will deliver clearing operations over a two-year period (2026–2027 and 2027–2028). Key activities include surveying designated localities, physically clearing all listed invasive plants, and collecting precise GPS and ecological data. If work concludes ahead of schedule, the contractor must adapt to additional species or newly identified sites. All operations are monitored by SANBI and landowners, with corrective clearing required outside the contract term if standards are not met.

Payment operates on a person-day basis, meaning compensation is strictly tied to days worked rather than a fixed salary. Should milestones be completed early, SANBI reserves the right to assign supplementary conservation tasks to utilize remaining person-days. The contractor must ensure at least 60% of the workforce comprises local beneficiaries from the target areas.

Technical Requirements

Bidders must demonstrate compliance with statutory, safety, and operational standards:

• Statutory & Financial Compliance: Valid COIDA letter of good standing, public liability insurance covering a minimum of R1,000,000, and active Central Supplier Database (CSD) registration.
• Transport & Infrastructure: A roadworthy long-base bakkie and trailer meeting construction vehicle specifications (revolving orange lamp, secured benches with seatbelts, speed limit display, canopy or labor railings). Licensed drivers and valid vehicle/trailer documentation are mandatory.
• Equipment & PPE: Provision of chainsaws, ropes, harnesses, step ladders, hand tools, herbicide application gear, absorbent materials, medical kits, and full personal protective equipment (respirators, aprons, reflector vests, goggles, overalls).
• Health & Safety: All personnel must pass pre-employment medical examinations. Two certified Health and Safety Representatives and two First Aiders must remain onsite throughout the contract duration.
• Data Collection: Use of GPS or similar electronic devices configured to continuously log tracks for accurate spatial recording of cleared areas and species locations.
• Reimbursement Framework: Costs for wages, PPE, and equipment are governed by government-mandated EPWP (Expanded Public Works Programme) rates, which standardize daily allowances and resource allocations for labor-intensive environmental projects.

Skills Requirements

The contracting entity must deploy a physically fit, trained team of ten members with proven field experience:

• Team Composition: One supervisor/team leader, four herbicide applicators, one driver, two health and safety representatives, and two first aiders.
• Experience: Minimum one to four years of documented experience in clearing invasive alien plants, including GPS-based data collection. Proof of references or appointment letters is required.
• Certifications: Valid, certified copies of role-specific qualifications (e.g., herbicide application, first aid, health and safety). A detailed CV of the day-to-day supervisor must be submitted.
• Training: Mandatory attendance at SANBI-provided herbicide applicator courses. Additional training may be required in subsequent financial years, with costs covered by SANBI.
• Local Integration: At least 60% of the team must be residents of the target areas, with proof of residence submitted prior to contract commencement.