Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to appoint a qualified service provider to develop the Tsolo Junction Local Spatial Development Framework (LSDF) for the 2025/26 financial year. The LSDF aims to guide sustainable land use, infrastructure development, and socio-economic growth within the Tsolo Junction area, aligning with regional and national planning policies. It seeks to facilitate integrated development, support local economic growth, and ensure environmental and social considerations are incorporated into spatial planning.

Scope

The scope of work includes:

• Developing a comprehensive LSDF within 6 to 8 months, covering phases such as policy context, spatial challenges, draft proposals, implementation framework, and final adoption.
• Aligning the LSDF with relevant regional frameworks, including the Eastern Seaboard Regional Spatial Development Framework (RSDF), O.R. Tambo District Spatial Development Framework, and provincial policies.
• Conducting data collection, analysis, public participation, and stakeholder engagement through workshops and committee meetings.
• Producing spatial proposals, strategies, policies, and an implementation plan that address heritage, economy, environment, infrastructure, tourism, and social development.
• Providing visual maps, graphics, and GIS data in suitable formats, along with comprehensive reports, executive summaries, and public participation documentation.
• Ensuring the LSDF delineates urban edges, identifies development corridors, and provides a capital investment framework with prioritised projects.

Technical Requirements

The technical requirements include:

• Development of a credible, compliant LSDF aligned with legislation such as SPLUMA, Municipal Systems Act, and environmental laws.
• Phased approach: Policy & Vision, Challenges & Opportunities, Draft Proposals, Implementation Framework, Final Adoption.
• Use of GIS tools for spatial analysis, data management, and map production, with outputs in shapefiles, layer files, and other GIS-compatible formats.
• Inclusion of maps, graphics, photographs, and explanatory text to illustrate spatial concepts and current realities.
• Preparation of multiple copies of the LSDF document for stakeholder consultation, including electronic and hard copies.
• Adherence to project milestones and timelines, with a detailed work plan and scheduling.
• Active stakeholder engagement through workshops and committee meetings, ensuring broad participation and input.

Skills Requirements

The tenderer must demonstrate:

• Leadership by a qualified Town and Regional Planner with GIS expertise, preferably with experience in developing LSDFs or similar spatial plans.
• A multidisciplinary project team including professionals such as Land Surveyors, Civil Engineers, Environmental Practitioners, Urban Designers, and GIS specialists, each with minimum NQF Level 6 qualifications.
• Experience in town and regional planning, environmental management, GIS, and land use planning.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation, policies, and regional development frameworks.
• Ability to facilitate public participation and stakeholder engagement effectively, including communication in local languages (preferably isiXhosa).
• Proven track record of completing similar spatial development projects, supported by references and certificates.
• Capacity to produce GIS-ready spatial data and comprehensive reports, including maps, graphics, and visual presentations.