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TENDERS EXPLAINED
Each day hundreds of tenders are being advertised but we often only hear about those where things have gone wrong or where the concept has been abused. It gives ‘Tenders’ a stink it doesn’t deserve. In today’s blog, we look at what exactly a tender is.
A tender is an offer to perform work, supply goods, services or products at a fixed price. The tendering process is generally utilized for procurements or contracts involving substantial amounts of money. Generally speaking, it is government departments, offices, agencies, private sector companies and businesses that put requests out on tenders. By so doing, they basically ask the public for price offers to supply required products or services. Once the tenderer accepts a tender, it is binding to both the tenderer and the person or company who won the tender. Therefore, the person or company has to provide the goods or services in the manner agreed to and at the price offered. In turn, the tenderer must pay the agreed price on the agreed deadline.
What is tendering?
Tendering is the process of making an offer, bid or proposal. It can also be expressing interest in response to an invitation or request for tender. Organisations will seek other businesses to respond to a particular need, such as the supply of goods and services and will select an offer or tender that meets their needs and that provides the best value for money.
Where are tender requirements stated?
The requirements of a tender are stated in the Requests for Tender (RTF) or Requests for Proposal (RFP) documents. In these documents, the service or products the particular tendering organisation needs or requires are outlined. These documents also outline the criteria and provide instructions that are to be followed.
Tenders are usually widely advertised in both print and electronic publications. This is to allow as many people as possible to take note of the opportunity. It also stimulates competition and provides wide variety of choice. Interested suppliers will then prepare a tender response to the offer, including pricing, schedules as well as their eligibility for the project.
Once the tendering period has closed, the submitted tender responses are evaluated with regard to defined criteria. The process must be done fairly and honestly, free from bias or favoritism. The offer that best meets all of the requirements and provides value for money should win the contract.
While the concept of tendering may seem daunting at first, it can be easily tackled by having a plan of ‘action`. It is important to understand your business` suitability for the project and ability to manage the contract if you win the tender. By understanding these points and demonstrating that you are able to meet the criteria and offer a competitive bid, you will increase your chances of success.
How are tenders awarded?
After the closing date, all the tenders are checked for basic compliance to the tender regulations. Tenders can be disqualified during this process if they are found to be non-compliance. The compliance of the products or services offered and price is considered. All tenders which comply with the specifications are listed in order of price. Those in the lowest price tender list are in the lowest price group. Preference points given to those suppliers on the list of lowest price tenders are first verified. Preference points are only awarded after the most expensive tenders have been excluded, as this makes the process quicker and fairer. Those with verifiable information come out with the best preference points and are therefore awarded the contract.
The above formulate what tenders are and if you understand these, then you are in the best position to bid for a tender.
Related Resources
Student Loans in South Africa: How to Apply and What to Expect
For many young South Africans, accessing higher education is a dream that often comes with a financial challenge. Fortunately, several student loan optionsstrong> are available in South Africa to help fund university, college, or TVET studies. Whether you’re looking for a government loan like NSFAS or a private student loan from a bank, understanding the process is essential for success.
What Are Student Loans?
Student loans are a form of financial aid provided to eligible students to help cover tuition fees, books, accommodation, and other study-related expenses. In South Africa, these loans can come from government institutions like NSFAS or private banks such as Nedbank, Standard Bank, FNB, and Absa. Most loans offer repayment flexibility and low-interest options until you graduate.
Types of Student Loans in South Africa
- NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme): A government-funded loan/grant program for students from low-income households. Covers tuition, housing, transport, and meals.
- Bank Student Loans: Offered by most major banks. These are credit-based and require a guardian or parent as a co-signer.
- Private Loan Providers: Companies like Fundi offer educational loans covering various costs such as school fees, gadgets, and textbooks.
Requirements to Qualify for a Student Loan
Each provider has its own criteria, but most South African student loans require the following:
- Proof of South African citizenship or permanent residency
- Proof of registration or acceptance at a recognised tertiary institution
- Parent or guardian with a stable income to co-sign (for private loans)
- Completed application form with supporting documents (ID, proof of income, academic records)
How to Apply for a Student Loan
To apply for a student loan in South Africa, follow these steps:
- Identify your loan provider: Choose between NSFAS, a bank, or a private lender.
- Gather necessary documents: ID copies, academic transcripts, acceptance letters, and income statements.
- Complete the application form online or at a branch.
- Await approval: Some banks offer instant decisions, while NSFAS can take a few weeks.
- Receive disbursement: Funds are typically paid directly to the institution or your account, depending on the lender.
Loan Amounts and Repayment
The loan amount you can receive depends on your chosen lender and financial need:
- NSFAS: Covers full tuition, residence, books, and a personal allowance. The loan becomes a bursary if you pass all your courses.
- Banks: Can provide up to R120,000 or more annually, depending on tuition costs and credit history.
Repayment usually starts after graduation or once you start earning an income. Bank loans may require interest-only payments during your studies. NSFAS repayment only begins when you earn above a specific income threshold.
FAQs on Student Loans in South Africa
1. Can I apply for a student loan without a parent or guardian?
For government loans like NSFAS, yes. But most banks require a financially responsible co-signer, especially for students without an income.
2. Is NSFAS a loan or a bursary?
NSFAS starts as a loan, but it converts to a bursary if you meet academic performance requirements. This means you may not have to pay it back.
3. What is the interest rate on student loans?
Private banks offer competitive rates between 5% and 12%, depending on the applicant's credit profile. NSFAS charges a much lower interest rate, usually linked to inflation.
4. What happens if I fail my courses?
If you’re funded by NSFAS and fail, your loan won’t convert into a bursary, and you’ll need to repay the full amount. Banks may continue charging interest, and your co-signer may be held liable.
5. Can I use a student loan to pay for accommodation and laptops?
Yes. Both NSFAS and many bank student loans cover costs beyond tuition, including housing, meals, textbooks, and electronic devices like laptops or tablets.
Final Thoughts
Student loans in South Africa offer a much-needed financial lifeline to thousands of students every year. Whether you're applying through **NSFAS** or a private bank, ensure you understand the **terms, interest rates, and repayment conditions** before signing any agreement. Make informed decisions today to secure your academic and financial future tomorrow.