Objectives

The primary objective is to appoint a qualified service provider to conduct targeted eradication and management of invasive alien plant species, specifically Furcraea foetida, within the Salem–Makhanda region. The initiative aims to prevent further ecological spread, reduce long-term control costs, and support national biodiversity conservation targets through early-stage intervention.

Scope

The contract spans two financial years (2026–2027 and 2027–2028). The initial phase requires fifty-two working days between November 2026 and March 2027 to survey and clear approximately 85.9 hectares of the target species. Subsequent phases depend on budget approval and government environmental programme rates. Core activities include site surveys, mechanical and chemical clearing, GPS-enabled data logging, attendance at mandatory training, and post-clearance monitoring. Contractors must also address any substandard work within thirty days of contract expiry. Payment operates on a daily wage basis, calculated per verified person-day worked, aligned with government Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) rates.

Technical Requirements

• Valid Compensation Insurance for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA) certificate covering the full contract period.
• Public liability insurance with a minimum cover of R1,000,000.
• Central Supplier Database (CSD) registration and tax compliance documentation.
• Transportation: A roadworthy long-base bakkie capable of carrying ten to twelve personnel, equipped with labour railings or canopy, revolving orange warning lamp, secured bench seating with seatbelts, and a displayed speed limit. Must include a licensed trailer for tool and biomass transport. Both vehicles must pass pre-contract roadworthiness inspections.
• Equipment & PPE: Chainsaws, ropes, harnesses, step ladders, hand tools, herbicide application kits, protective overalls, respirators, aprons, reflector vests, goggles, fully stocked medical kits, and spill-absorbent materials.
• Data Management: Use of GPS tracking devices for spatial logging and completion of client-provided datasheets.
• Administrative: Submission of completed SBD forms, preference claim forms, company profiles, reference letters, team structure tables, and proof of residence for local beneficiaries.

Skills Requirements

• Supervisory personnel must hold Plantation Certification Officer (PCO) credentials and valid herbicide applicator training.
• Field teams require certified herbicide applicators, two trained Health and Safety Representatives, and at least one certified First Aider.
• Demonstrated experience (one to four years) in invasive plant clearing combined with GPS or similar device data collection.
• Physical fitness to navigate rugged terrain and perform sustained manual labour.
• Minimum sixty percent of the workforce must be sourced from local communities, with additional preference points awarded for teams comprising youth, women, and persons with disabilities.

Notable Terms & Conditions

EPWP Rates: Government-prescribed wage, personal protective equipment, and machinery allowances designed to standardise labour costs, ensure fair employment practices, and promote job creation in public sector projects.

80/20 Preference Point System: A procurement scoring model allocating eighty points to competitive pricing and twenty points to socio-economic transformation goals, primarily measuring black and female ownership percentages verified via official central databases.

Milestone-Based Daily Wage Structure: Remuneration is strictly tied to approved person-days. Unfinished tasks may trigger catch-up schedules or expanded duties without additional compensation, ensuring strict budget adherence.

Post-Contract Rectification Clause: Contractors remain liable for corrective clearing within thirty days after contract termination if initial work fails quality assurance checks, protecting the client from recurring infestations due to poor execution.