The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) has opened a Request for Proposals (RFP) for two operators to supply, operate, and manage boat cruises at the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve’s Swadini Dam . This strategic concession opportunity is part of MTPA’s broader infrastructure investment strategy to enhance tourism facilities across Mpumalanga.
The Concession Opportunity and Site Details
The Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, internationally recognized as the third-largest canyon globally and the largest ‘green canyon’ on Earth, offers an exceptional tourism platform . The appointed operators will manage boats accommodating a maximum of 25 people, operating from Swadini Dam. The site currently has infrastructure requiring maintenance, with the operator responsible for:
- Sewerage and waste management compliance
- Water supply from the dam (existing infrastructure remains)
- Facilities maintenance and security provisions
- All legal insurance requirements, including public liability and asset coverage
Mandatory Qualifications and Experience
To participate, bidders must demonstrate:
- Financial Strength: Minimum asset value of R2,000,000, supported by audited financial statements
- Industry Experience: Minimum 5 years’ experience in similar adventure activities and 2 years in tourism operations
- Accreditation: Affiliation with recognized bodies including SAMSA, Boating South Africa (SABBEX), or the South African Small Craft Association (SASCA)
- Technical Certification: Valid first aid and CPR certificates, skipper license, and vessel safety knowledge
Evaluation Criteria and Preference Points
Bids will be evaluated using the 80/20 preference points system, with specific goals including historically disadvantaged individuals (6 points), women (5 points), persons with disabilities (5 points), and youth (4 points). Functionality accounts for 70% of the evaluation, covering:
- Business plan quality and feasibility
- Company profile and demonstrated experience
- Financial capability and funding proof
- Safety and emergency procedures
- Liability insurance and vessel specifications
Bidders must score at least 70% for functionality to qualify for further consideration.
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Non-Compulsory Briefing Session
A virtual briefing session will be held on 01 September 2026 at 11:00 AM via MS Teams. Bidders can request the link from Noxolo.Mgwenya@mtpa.co.za or arrange site visits through Tekani Shilenge (Tekani@mtpa.co.za) or Reserve Manager Jimmy Thanyani (076 109 8453 / 084 254 1903).
The MTPA reserves the right to withdraw the appointment if the preferred bidder fails to reach agreement on the concession agreement within six weeks.
Submission Requirements
Proposals must include:
- Fully completed tender documents (all pages initialed and signed)
- Company registration documents and shareholder information
- Valid Tax Clearance Certificate with PIN from SARS
- CSD registration proof
- Business, operational, and financial plans
- A marked-up draft concession agreement
- A completed risk matrix
Submission Address: Supply Chain Management Unit, Procurement Office Halls’ Gateway, Mataffin, MTPA Finance Block E, Mbombela, 1200
Key Dates and Enquiries
- Closing Date: Friday, 25 September 2026
- Closing Time: 11:00
- Contact Person: Mr. Tekani Shilenge (Tekani@mtpa.co.za | 013-065-0631)
Document Access and Downloads
- Document Links: Tender Document
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