Everything a foreign company needs to bid for government tenders in South Africa and Zimbabwe — requirements, fees and local rules.
No Resident Director Rule: South Africa does not require directors to be residents — a private company can have an entirely foreign board. However, a resident public officer must be appointed for SARS to represent the company in tax matters.
• Central Supplier Database (CSD) registration (MAAA number).
• SARS Tax Compliance Status (TCS) PIN.
• B-BBEE affidavit or certificate.
• CIPC incorporation documents (COR14.3, director details).
• Proof of banking.
• Completed SBD forms (SBD 4, 6.1, 8, 9).
• Sector-specific credentials (CIDB for construction, COIDA Letter of Good Standing, municipal account).
Eligibility (registered, tax compliant), Responsiveness (all documents complete), and Evaluation (price, functionality, preference points under PPPFA).
PRAZ Registration: Foreign firms must register with the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ) under the "Foreign Organizations" category. Annual fee: US$850 per category, payable in USD.
• Certificate of Incorporation from home country.
• Articles & Memorandum of Association.
• List of directors/shareholders (equivalent to CR6/CR14).
• Proof of nationality (passport copies).
• Company profile and application letter.
• Proof of payment of registration fee.
For construction and large-scale projects, foreign winners must subcontract at least 30% of work to local firms. Domestic preference allows local bidders a 10–15% price advantage.
Winning bidders must apply for a Vendor Number from the Ministry of Finance to receive payments.
Resident Director: Not required; must appoint resident SARS public officer.
Tender Registration: CSD mandatory.
Annual Fee: Free CSD registration.
Tax Compliance: SARS TCS PIN.
Empowerment: B-BBEE affidavit/certificate.
Sector Rules: CIDB, COIDA, municipal docs.
Payment: Direct via state entity.
Resident Director: Not required; foreign directors accepted.
Tender Registration: PRAZ mandatory (Foreign Organizations).
Annual Fee: US$850 per category.
Tax Compliance: ZIMRA tax clearance.
Empowerment: Local preference (10–15% margin).
Sector Rules: Local subcontracting (30% for construction).
Payment: Vendor Number required.