Warehouse and Port Commercial Premises Lease

Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), an operating division of Transnet SOC Ltd, is inviting proposals for the lease of premises at the Port of East London. The premises comprise Building Asset Numbers 02TH005L and 05LH101L, located on a portion of Erf 33369 on East Bank, with an extent of approximately 1,270 m². The site is currently vacant and is offered on an as-is (voetstoots) basis for warehousing and port-related commercial activities. The lease period may extend up to ten years and is available immediately. Bidders should note that the premises are known to contain asbestos-containing materials, and the successful bidder will carry sole responsibility for asbestos identification, management, abatement and lawful disposal. Demolition is permitted only with prior written approval from TNPA and the Heritage Council of South Africa.

The successful lessee will be required to carry out any refurbishment, repairs, upgrades and capital improvements needed to make the premises fit for purpose and compliant with applicable laws, at its own cost, unless otherwise negotiated. Where extensive works are required, beneficial occupation may be considered, subject to a motivated Business Plan approved by TNPA governance structures. Lessees must also comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code, and TNPA environmental and health and safety requirements. The draft lease includes a Business Plan, Environmental Plan, Health and Safety Plan, a baseline environmental study, a maintenance obligation, and a requirement to maintain at least a Level 4 B-BBEE status. Rental is payable monthly in advance with annual escalation, and a deposit is required.

Evaluation follows a staged process. Bids must first pass administrative and substantive responsiveness checks, including a priced rental offer on the prescribed schedule. Bids then face a functionality assessment with a minimum threshold of 66.67 out of 100 points. This assesses previous experience, a bank rating not older than three months, alignment with the Port Development Framework Plan, market analysis, value added to port operations, a capital expenditure and work breakdown schedule, a maintenance plan, and financial viability supported by cash flow projections signed off by a finance professional. Qualifying bids are then scored on price (80 or 90 points, depending on the bid value threshold) and specific goals (20 or 10 points, covering B-BBEE level and ownership by black women, black youth or people with disabilities). Transnet may negotiate a market-related rental with the highest-ranked bidder. Key dates include a non-compulsory online briefing on 30 October 2026 at 12:00, the deadline for clarification questions on 20 November 2026 at 16:00, and the closing date of 27 November 2026 at 15:00. Bids must be submitted electronically through the Transnet eTenders portal and remain valid for 120 business days.