On Friday, 21 January 2022 the department of Human Settlements in the Western Cape opened a new contractor’s framework particularly targeting women and youth contractors. This initiative is the first of its kind. And aims to raise more opportunities for Historically Disadvantaged Individuals.
Strict Conditions
The department invites and encourages bids from any contractors who meet the criteria. Starting from Friday the 21st of January up until 11:00 am on Friday, 25 February 2022. Although, the framework does have conditions for applying that will be strictly adhered to. For example, any contractors wishing to bid may only do so on the condition that they have:
- 51 percent women ownership
- 51% black youth ownership and
- 51% black ownership by people living with disabilities.
Applicable for Three Years
Contractors who have successful bid submissions will be placed onto the framework. From there, they will be able to submit quotations to the specific contracts for which they meet all the relevant criteria. And this agreement will be applicable for a period of three years.
Classes of Work
The scope of engineering and construction work may fall within one or more of the following classes:
- General Building (2GB to 7GB)
- Civil Engineering (2CE to 7CE)
- Electrical Engineering Works – Building (2EB to 7EB)
- Electrical Engineering Works – Infrastructure (2EP to 7EP)
- Landscaping, irrigation and horticulture works (2SH to 7SH)
- Steel security fencing or precast concrete fencing (2SQ to 7SQ)
How to Bid
Contractors that fulfill the bidding conditions may collect the tender documents from either:
- The 6th floor at the Western Cape Department of Human Settlements, 27 Wale Street, Cape Town or
- The 2nd floor, Department of Human Settlements, York Park Building, York Street, George.
And anyone with questions regarding the new contractor framework or tender procedure should direct them to Ms. Pillay on 021 483 3173. Alternatively, potential contractors can email inquiries to Ms Pillay at Esther.Stephanus-Pillay@westerncape.gov.za. Otherwise, they may contact Ms July at Simthandile.July@westerncape.gov.za.
However, those with queries around technical aspects should rather contact Mr Sandile Gqoboka on 021 483 3973. Otherwise email him at sandile.gqoboka@westerncape.gov.za
Looking Forward
Western Cape Minister of Human Settlements, Tertius Simmers said: “I’d like to encourage all those who meet the various criteria to use this opportunity and make submissions. We’ve specifically opened this door to this group, so that those who might not have had an opportunity before, can now also be part of this exciting process. We will not cease in empowering our people, as this leads to greater job creation and economic growth, which is a key priority for the Western Cape Government.”
Minister Simmers also adds: “I’m excited about the launch of this framework, as it demonstrates our continued commitment to empowering our historically disadvantaged individuals. We’ve already shown that we invest in the empowerment of our contractors, by spending more than 50% of our Human Settlement Development Grant on their development. With this historic initiative, we’re taking it a step further, as this will ensure that more contractors have access to these types of opportunities.”