Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to review and develop a credible, legally compliant, and sustainable Spatial Development Framework (SDF) for Ulundi Local Municipality for the period 2027/2028. The project aims to produce an SDF that provides strategic land use guidance, aligns with national and provincial policies, addresses spatial imbalances, and incorporates environmental sustainability, social equity, and economic development considerations. The SDF should also facilitate effective stakeholder engagement, support land management, and serve as a tool for integrated planning and decision-making.

Scope

The scope of work involves:

• Reviewing the existing SDF and IDP, and aligning them with legislative and policy frameworks.
• Conducting empirical analysis, mapping, and stakeholder consultations to develop a long-term spatial vision.
• Developing strategic objectives, spatial linkage plans, and detailed land use frameworks.
• Addressing sector-specific mandates such as land reform, environmental conservation, infrastructure, and socio-economic development.
• Preparing a Capital Investment Program aligned with SPLUMA and provincial guidelines.
• Ensuring environmental sustainability and integrating existing environmental management tools.
• Aligning the SDF with district and neighboring municipalities’ plans.
• Developing GIS-based tools, maps, and communication media to facilitate stakeholder engagement and implementation.
• Facilitating the approval process, monitoring, evaluation, and skills transfer.

Technical Requirements

The technical requirements include:

• Adherence to the guidelines provided in the DRDLR manual and relevant legislation such as SPLUMA and the MSA.
• Use of GIS technology for mapping, spatial analysis, and data management, with data in line with the South African National Metadata Standard (SANS 1878).
• Development of multiple deliverables including draft and final reports, maps (A0 size and electronic formats), GIS data, and communication media.
• Completion of all project phases within the stipulated timeline, with the final project deadline set for 31 May 2027.
• Provision of capacity building and skills transfer to municipal staff.
• Engagement with provincial and national stakeholders, including addressing MEC comments and integrating relevant guidelines.

Skills Requirements

The tenderer must demonstrate:

• Qualified project leader with a tertiary qualification in planning recognized by SACPLAN, and registered as a Professional Planner.
• Proven experience in spatial planning, participatory planning, GIS, environmental analysis, and land use management.
• Team members with relevant qualifications and experience, including GIS specialists, environmental analysts, and sectoral experts.
• Capacity to develop and implement participatory planning processes, communication strategies, and skills transfer programs.
• Ability to gather and analyze data from various government departments and stakeholders, and to localize national and provincial guidelines.
• Experience in preparing GIS data, maps, and reports in accordance with national standards.
• Capacity to deliver the project within the specified timeline and budget, with a focus on quality and stakeholder engagement.