Objectives

The primary objective is to secure a qualified publicist to manage media relations, promotional campaigns, and digital outreach for the New Voices Programme. This developmental theatre initiative presents three to seven new drama productions, with scripts co-developed alongside emerging playwrights. The publicist will enhance public awareness, drive audience engagement, and ensure consistent, strategic communication throughout the programme's run.

Scope of Services

The successful supplier will deliver comprehensive publicity and media coordination for the allocated productions. Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and executing integrated promotional strategies across traditional and digital channels.
• Managing relationships with online media outlets, journalists, and social media influencers.
• Producing and distributing press releases, media kits, and promotional content for each production.
• Ensuring all services commence within two weeks of purchase order issuance and cover the contract period from 10 September to 31 October 2026.

All quotations must adhere to the Government Procurement General Conditions of Contract and include mandatory compliance documentation.

Technical Requirements

Bidders must demonstrate verifiable experience in public relations, preferably within the arts, culture, or live performance sector. Technical capabilities should encompass media monitoring, campaign planning, influencer partnership management, and digital content distribution. Suppliers must submit all required standard bidding documents, including declarations on supply chain management practices, independent bid determination, and local content calculations. Pricing must be quoted inclusive of VAT, and submissions must align with the prescribed evaluation framework.

Skills Requirements

Candidates must possess strong strategic communication skills, media planning expertise, and hands-on experience coordinating promotional activities for cultural or theatrical events. Proficiency in social media analytics, influencer outreach, and audience engagement tactics is essential. Familiarity with South African public procurement regulations, B-BBEE compliance frameworks, and preferential procurement scoring mechanisms is required. A concise professional resume detailing relevant project experience must accompany the quotation.

Explanation of Unusual or Complicated Terms

This tender operates under the standard South African public sector procurement framework. The 80/20 preference point system allocates 80 points for competitive pricing and 20 points for Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) status levels, directly influencing award decisions. The Local Content Declaration requires bidders to calculate the percentage of locally sourced versus imported content using a prescribed formula and official exchange rates. While administratively detailed, these are standard compliance measures for national entities and do not alter the core publicist service deliverables.