Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager seeks a qualified contractor to repair a damaged 88/6.6kV 1MVA distribution transformer at Wesselsnek substation, including rewinding, oil purification, testing and commissioning. The NEC3 term service contract runs for three months from 30 November 2026, with Ladysmith-based live rail substation access required.
Transnet Rail Infrastructure Manager (TRIM) has issued a Request for Quotation (RFQ, reference PPA-166086) for the repair of an 88/6.6kV 1MVA distribution transformer at the Wesselsnek distribution substation, located near Ladysmith in KwaZulu-Natal. The transformer was damaged by a lightning strike in September 2025, and inspections have confirmed winding damage. The substation is currently offline, forcing reliance on adjacent substations at Hattingspruit and Cattlekraal, which increases load pressure. Restoring the unit supports signalling relay rooms that enable train authorisations across a 64km section between Glencoe and Danskraal, where unavailability currently forces manual authorisations and reduces train slot capacity.
The scope of work includes transporting the transformer to and from the workshop, draining oil and dismantling the unit, rewinding and installing LV/HV windings, complete reassembly and regasketing, two-cycle oil purification (approximately 4,135 litres) and oil top-up (approximately 400 litres). Testing must cover insulation resistance, turns ratio, winding resistance, short circuit impedance and sweep frequency response analysis (SFRA) on site, with all tests witnessed by TRIM representatives. The contract is governed by the NEC3 Term Service Contract (Priced Option A) and the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) framework. Work must comply with SANS 780, SANS 60076 series, E7/2 railway proximity standards, and the Occupational Health and Safety Act. All work must be executed under approved permits and isolation procedures, with live traction substation constraints and site-specific risks including overhead live wires, locomotive movement and oil contamination.
Evaluation is based on functionality (minimum 70 points out of 100, assessed on method statement, previous experience with at least five comparable transformer projects, and a work plan targeting completion within 8 weeks of award), followed by price (80 points) and B-BBEE preference (20 points). Mandatory requirements include attendance at the compulsory clarification and site meeting on 27 October 2026, a valid tax clearance certificate, a CIDB grading of 3EP or higher, CSD registration, and a Health and Safety questionnaire. Submissions must be made via the Transnet e-Tender portal by 12:00 on 6 November 2026, and bids are valid for 12 weeks.
Suitable for registered electrical engineering and transformer repair contractors with high-voltage experience, particularly those with proven track records in transformer rewinding, oil purification, and testing on MV/HV units. Businesses must hold a CIDB 3EP grading or higher (or qualify via a compliant joint venture), be CSD-registered with a valid tax clearance, and have the capacity to mobilise to Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal. Companies with railway or traction substation experience and strong health and safety systems will be best placed. Small and medium enterprises with B-BBEE Level 1 or 2 status, or 50%+ black youth ownership, can benefit from the preference points.
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