Integrated Communication, Marketing & Branding Services NEW

The Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA), an agent of the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), is seeking a qualified service provider to render integrated communication, marketing, branding and events planning services for the Eastern Seaboard Development (ESD) Programme over a 24-month period. The ESD is a flagship intergovernmental initiative under the District Development Model, covering a strategic region of roughly 250 km of coastline across four districts and seventeen local municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape. As the programme moves from planning into implementation, MISA requires an approach that showcases the region's investment potential, raises awareness among government, traditional leadership, communities, investors and the media, and builds a positive brand for the region.

The scope of work is broad. The appointed provider must develop and implement an integrated Communication, Marketing and Branding Strategy, an Investment Strategy with an investment prospectus, investor pitch decks and an investor engagement plan, and a Brand and Corporate Identity Framework including a logo trademark registration with CIPC. Two annual Investment Summits must be coordinated, covering media buying across TV, radio, digital, billboards and airports, media coordination, public relations, venue branding, audiovisual staging, a conference app, delegate packs and exhibition stands for up to 550 physical attendees. Further deliverables include support for around 12 ministerial-level engagements, 6 high-level events, 20 community outreach meetings, branded print and promotional materials, a quarterly newsletter, management of the ESD website and social media channels, and monthly project reporting to MISA. Content must consider at least three languages spoken in the area, including English.

The bid is evaluated in three stages. Stage 1 is mandatory: attendance at the compulsory hybrid briefing session on 30 October 2026, along with the required JV, subsidiary and pricing-form requirements. Stage 2 scores functionality out of 100, with 30 points for at least five reference letters from completed projects worth a combined R5 million or more, and 70 points for a team of six specified professionals: a Project Lead, Media Strategist/Brand Manager, Creative Writer, Photographer, Graphic Designer and Events Planner. Each role has minimum NQF qualifications and experience thresholds, and photography and design roles require portfolios. A minimum of 65 points is needed to progress. Stage 3 applies the 80/20 preference system, with 80 points for price and 20 for specific goals covering women-owned, disability-owned, youth-owned and B-BBEE Level 1 to 2 QSE or EME bidders. Other requirements include a CSD report, a tax compliance PIN, a B-BBEE certificate or sworn affidavit, and an SBD 6.1 form. Bids must remain valid for 90 days. Payment is made within 30 days of a valid invoice once services are rendered satisfactorily, and no advance payments are made.

The benefits for a successful provider include a long-term, multi-year contract on a high-profile programme of national significance, with opportunities to build a portfolio in government communications, investment promotion and large-scale event management. Note that the bid document lists two different closing dates: 17 November 2026 at 11:00 on the cover and in the Invitation to Bid, and 13 November 2026 at 11:00 in the submission section. Bidders should confirm the correct deadline with MISA (tenders@misa.gov.za) before submitting.