Objectives

The primary objectives of this tender are to develop high-quality newsletters and publications that reflect the City of Cape Town’s image as a leading local government. Specifically, the objectives include:

• Producing a bi-monthly staff newsletter to foster employee pride, understanding of local government, and participation in organizational activities.
• Creating a quarterly resident newsletter to inform, educate, and promote transparency about City services, policies, and developments.
• Developing a range of corporate/public sector publications, including flagship reports and ad hoc publications, aligned with the City’s branding and style guidelines.
• Evolving digital versions of newsletters to enhance interactivity while maintaining print versions for staff and public audiences.

Scope

The scope encompasses:

• Design, layout, and production of newsletters and publications in final PDF format for print and web publication.
• Development of two main categories:
• Category 1: Newsletters (staff and resident editions)
• Category 2: Publications (flagship and ad hoc reports, including complex and simple publications)
• Design and layout of multiple issues annually, including infographics, illustrations, maps, and graphical elements.
• Provision of proofreading, project management, and quality control services.
• Coordination with City departments for editorial content, visual material, and print/digital delivery.
• Inclusion of optional services such as sourcing stock images, designing infographics, and managing print and web publishing.

Technical Requirements

The technical requirements include:

• Development of newsletters and publications in final PDF format suitable for print and digital distribution.
• Design conforming to the City’s style guide, with a clean, modern, and accessible layout.
• Ability to produce newsletters of varying lengths (from 4 to 32 pages) and formats (A4, A5, etc.).
• Incorporation of infographics, charts, maps, cartoons, and other visual elements, with up to four amendments per issue.
• Provision of proofs at multiple stages, including full-color proofs, for approval before final printing.
• Design of area-specific editions with consistent branding and visual identity.
• Delivery of print-ready files and web-optimized PDFs for online publication.
• Adherence to deadlines for each issue and project management of the entire production process.

Skills Requirements

The successful bidder must demonstrate:

• Extensive experience in publishing, writing, editing, proofreading, and graphic design for corporate/public sector clients.
• Proven ability to produce newsletters, reports, and publications with high-quality visual and editorial standards.
• Strong project management skills, including planning, coordination, and timely delivery of multiple issues annually.
• Capacity to develop and implement innovative, engaging, and accessible design solutions that align with the City’s branding.
• Expertise in creating infographics, maps, illustrations, and cartoons, with examples of previous work.
• Ability to provide CVs and samples demonstrating experience in government or public sector publications.
• Technical proficiency in desktop publishing, graphic design software, and PDF production.
• Experience in managing print and digital publishing workflows, including proofing, quality control, and print liaison.