Construction of Timber-Frame Multipurpose Centre

The South African Forestry Company SOC Ltd (SAFCOL) is seeking a qualified contractor to build the Mayflower Multipurpose Centre in Ward 7 of the Chief Albert Luthuli Local Municipality, Mpumalanga. The project is a community development initiative under SAFCOL's Corporate Social Investment programme, identified by the Redhill Joint Community Forum. The facility will host community meetings, skills development, training, youth activities and other social programmes. The contractor will deliver a fully completed, tested and operational 148 m² timber-frame building, ready for immediate occupation, together with associated site infrastructure.

The scope covers the full construction cycle. Site establishment and earthworks include strip foundation excavation, soil poisoning, and disposal of unsuitable material. Concrete works include reinforced strip footings, a power-floated floor slab, a water tank base, gate foundations and a septic tank roof slab. The superstructure is a CCA-treated timber frame with prefabricated trusses, external timber cladding, and an IBR roof with insulation and flashings. Internal works include drywall partitions, ceilings, thermal insulation, ceramic floor tiles, timber doors and windows with burglar bars, and painting. Services include a complete electrical installation with a Certificate of Compliance, plumbing and sanitation, a septic tank, a 4 000-litre rainwater harvesting system, and a 50 m x 50 m security fence with a double-leaf access gate. The works must comply with approved building plans, the Bills of Quantities, SANS standards, the National Building Regulations, OHS legislation and municipal by-laws. The contract will be based on the NEC4 Engineering and Construction Short Contract (ECSC). Bidders must attend a compulsory on-site briefing session on 30 October 2026. Non-attendance results in disqualification.

Bidders must meet mandatory requirements, including tax compliance, CSD registration, a valid B-BBEE certificate or affidavit, COIDA good standing, and a valid CIDB grading of 3GB or higher. Bids are evaluated on functionality (minimum 70/100) covering company experience through signed reference letters, the qualifications and experience of a key person such as a construction manager or site agent, safety officer experience and qualifications, and a 20-activity construction programme completed within three months. Qualifying bids are then scored 80/20 on price and specific goals. Specific goals include youth ownership, disability ownership, and business locality within 50 km of the Jessievale plantation. Bidders may use subcontractors or joint ventures, provided signed agreements are submitted and the prime contractor remains responsible for the project. The contract also requires employees and subcontractors to sign a non-disclosure agreement and may require security clearances. Bids are due by 12:00 on 11 November 2026.