Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to appoint an accredited service provider to operate the Shared Clothing and Textile Production and Training Facility in the Amajuba District, KwaZulu-Natal, for a period of 24 months. The service provider will develop a comprehensive business plan, ensure operational standards including ISO9001 accreditation, and facilitate training and incubation programs for MSMEs in the clothing and textile sector. The overarching goal is to support regional industrialisation, enterprise development, job creation, and economic growth within the province.

Scope

The scope of work includes:

• Developing an inception report with a detailed business plan for the facility, including governance, legal/institutional models, and operational procedures.
• Ensuring the facility meets industry standards and achieves ISO9001 accreditation within the first 12 months.
• Creating production procedure manuals covering quality management, handling, storage, manufacturing, and booking management.
• Managing raw materials, fabrics, patterns, and consumables to support MSMEs and cooperatives.
• Recruiting and onboarding MSMEs/cooperatives into a 12-month incubation program, with a minimum of 50 learners per year.
• Providing targeted training to MSMEs in product development, branding, marketing, sales, and quality assurance.
• Obtaining accreditation from Fibre Processing and Manufacturing (FP&M) SETA or QCTO for clothing and textile.
• Delivering training and business support to MSMEs, including resource management and operational oversight.

Technical Requirements

• Development of an implementable business plan for the facility, including governance, legal, and operational frameworks.
• Implementation of ISO9001 standards within 12 months.
• Preparation of industry-standard production manuals for quality and process management.
• Management of fabric, patterns, and consumables to facilitate MSME operations.
• Recruitment and training of at least 50 MSMEs annually, with a focus on capacity building in product development, branding, marketing, and quality assurance.
• Provision of accreditation from FP&M SETA or QCTO for textile and clothing manufacturing.
• Establishment of a governance and oversight structure with clear roles for EDTEA, IDFC, and other stakeholders.

Skills Requirements

The successful service provider must demonstrate:

• Experience in managing and operating MSME development programs, especially in clothing and textile sectors.
• Proven ability to develop and implement business plans, operational procedures, and quality management systems.
• Capability to facilitate training programs in product development, branding, marketing, sales, and quality assurance.
• Accreditation from FP&M SETA or QCTO in clothing and textile manufacturing.
• Qualified personnel including:
• Facility Centre Manager
• Finance Officer
• Marketing Officer
• Clothing and Textile Expert/Trainer
• Administrative Support
• General Assistant

All resources must have relevant qualifications and experience, with detailed CVs and certifications provided.