The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) has extended the closing date for its Pilanesberg International Airport transaction-adviser tender to Monday, 9 November 2026 at 11:00. Addendum 01 replaces the original 27 October deadline and confirms that the electronic submission link is unchanged.
The IDC, acting on behalf of Infrastructure South Africa (ISA), is seeking an adviser to prepare a bankable feasibility study and business case and provide transaction implementation support for the airport’s redevelopment, upgrade and long-term operation in North West province.
The request for proposals requires the delivery and funding approach to be determined through the feasibility process. The adviser must compare operating, ownership, management and concession structures, including a stand-alone airport, networked airports, multi-airport operating platforms, strategic partnerships and regional airport management arrangements. No particular contracting model is to be assumed.
Infrastructure and demand assessment
A fire in August 2023 destroyed the airport’s main terminal and required operations to move to temporary facilities. Subsequent assessments identified deterioration and damage affecting the terminal, air traffic control tower, fire station, electrical systems, runway, taxiway, apron, lighting, parking and support services. The runway, apron and airfield lighting require substantial rehabilitation to improve safety, compliance and the airport’s ability to support night operations.
The airport serves tourism destinations including Pilanesberg National Park, Sun City and surrounding hospitality facilities. The adviser’s demand assessment must cover passenger and cargo forecasts, tourism and regional markets, airline and route potential, and commercial and non-aeronautical revenue opportunities.
Technical work will build on existing assessments, designs and studies. It must compare rehabilitation, replacement and upgrade options, with preliminary capital costs, operating and maintenance implications, lifecycle considerations and implementation sequencing.
From feasibility to transaction support
The feasibility study must bring together technical, economic, commercial, financial, legal, environmental and institutional assessments. This includes aviation and safety requirements, licensing and permits, environmental approvals, land and asset matters, governance, contracts and procurement obligations.
The financial work covers capital and operating expenditure, lifecycle costs, demand and revenue modelling, affordability, funding options, risk allocation and sensitivity analysis. Stand-alone and network-based commercial scenarios must be assessed before the client selects a delivery and funding mechanism.
An intermediate business case will use ISA’s five-case model, followed by a shorter version for approving authorities, funders and prospective investors. Each stage requires a report for review and approval; progression depends on acceptance of the preceding deliverables and the client’s decision on the delivery and funding approach.
After approval of the feasibility study, business case and preferred delivery mechanism, the adviser is to support procurement documentation, bid evaluation, negotiations, contracting and the necessary approvals. Where the selected approach requires external funding or investment, the scope includes support for funding applications, lender and investor engagement and financial close.
The successful bidder must start immediately after award and complete the advisory assignment within 24 months.
Bid requirements and submission
Bidders must demonstrate transaction-advisory experience in feasibility studies for transport or large-scale infrastructure projects in South Africa or internationally, supported by three references no more than ten years old. The multidisciplinary team must include a transaction-advisory lead, transport engineer, financial and commercial specialist, legal specialist and economist or development-finance specialist, with the qualifications, professional registrations and experience specified in the RFP.
The minimum functionality score is 70%. Qualifying bids proceed to an 80/20 evaluation for price and specific goals, followed by the IDC’s objective-criteria assessment.
Responses must be submitted electronically through the dedicated platform linked in the RFP. Addendum 01 directs enquiries to Ntombifikile Mokgeseng at az.oc.cdi@MelikifibmotN and says the questions-and-answers document was still being reviewed for upload when the addendum was issued.
