Port logistics and rail freight parastatal Transnet has issued a request for qualification (RFQ) to start the selection process for a partner in the private-sector participation (PSP) project at the Richards Bay Dry Bulk Terminal (RBDBT).
Transnet made the announcement on Friday, saying the issuance of the RFQ marked an important milestone in its ‘Reinvent for Growth Strategy’.
The company said it signalled the organisation’s readiness to engage the market to strengthen operational performance, attract private investment and support sustainability of the country’s freight and logistics infrastructure.
The dry bulk terminal is a critical export gateway for South Africa’s bulk commodities, particularly chrome and magnetite.
“Through the PSP process, Transnet seeks to leverage private sector expertise and capital to improve operational efficiency and reliability, while supporting future capacity growth and retaining strategic oversight of the asset,” the ports operator said.
It anticipates the project could provide opportunities in supplier development, local participation and community upliftment.
“The RFQ represents the first phase of the partner selection process, and it invites interested parties to demonstrate their technical capability, operational experience, financial capacity, and compliance with Transnet’s requirements,” the ports operator said.
Interested parties are also required to outline measurable plans to drive community upliftment through the project. Respondents that meet the qualifying criteria may be invited to participate in a subsequent request for proposal phase.
“Transnet is committed to conducting the PSP process in a transparent, competitive, and legally compliant manner, aligned with applicable governance frameworks and regulatory requirements. Engagement with key stakeholders, including employees, organised labour and government, will continue throughout the process,” the company said.
The RFQ documents can be accessed from the Transnet e-tender portal: https://transnetetenders.azurewebsites.net
