Introduction:
The upcoming National and Provincial elections in South Africa on May 29, 2024, present a critical opportunity for civic engagement and informed decision-making. In this context, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF) serves as the headline supporter, aiming to promote freedom and strengthen liberal democracy in South Africa.
Background:
The Western Cape province of South Africa holds significant political diversity and complexity; fostering constructive dialogue and informed decision-making among its electorate is essential. The unique nature of the Western Cape political landscape is characterised by:
· Political Plurality: The Western Cape is renowned for its diverse political landscape, encompassing a range of political parties and ideologies. This plurality fosters dynamic debates and requires nuanced engagement strategies.
· Urban-Rural Divide: The province exhibits a pronounced urban-rural divide, with metropolitan areas like Cape Town coexisting alongside rural communities. Understanding and addressing the distinct concerns of both urban and rural voters is imperative.
· Ethnic and Cultural Diversity: The Western Cape boasts a rich tapestry of ethnicities and cultures, contributing to a multifaceted political discourse. Engagements must be inclusive and respectful of the province's diverse population.
· Economic Disparities: Economic disparities within the Western Cape underscore the need to discuss socio-economic policies, job creation, and equitable development. Bridging these gaps requires targeted interventions and dialogue.
Objective:
The primary objective of this initiative is to facilitate engaging and informative discussions among voters in the Western Cape. This will ultimately encourage greater voter turnout and enable citizens to make informed decisions about their provincial government.
Scope of Work:
The selected provider will be responsible for the following:
1. Content Development: Develop a series of pre-election dialogues and a premier debate format that reflects the unique political landscape of the Western Cape. The content should be balanced, informative, and tailored to address the province's challenges and opportunities.
2. Programming and Logistics: Organize and manage the logistics for the events' in-person and social media components, considering the Western Cape electorate's diverse demographics and geographical spread.
3. Moderation and Facilitation: Provide skilled moderators and facilitators who understand the nuances of the Western Cape political landscape. Moderators should ensure fair and inclusive discussions that capture the perspectives of all stakeholders.
4. Promotion and Outreach: Develop a comprehensive promotional strategy to reach a broad audience across the Western Cape, taking into account the province's linguistic and cultural diversity. Collaborate with local partners and community leaders to maximise outreach.
5. Evaluation and Reporting: Implement mechanisms to evaluate the events' effectiveness and impact, considering the province's unique socio-political dynamics. Prepare a comprehensive report documenting the outcomes and insights gained.
Proposal Requirements:
Interested providers are requested to submit proposals that include the following:
1. Provide an overview of the organisation, including relevant experience in hosting similar events.
2. Approach to content development, programming, moderation, and promotion, with specific considerations for the Western Cape political landscape.
3. Proposed budget
4. Evidence of reach and capacity to deliver.
5. Timeline for execution, including key milestones and deliverables, tailored to the electoral timeline and dynamics of the Western Cape.
Submission Guidelines:
Proposals should be submitted electronically before 12 April 2024 to anthea.simpson@freiheit.org
Selection Process:
Proposals will be evaluated based on their alignment with the objectives, feasibility of the proposed approach, the team's experience and qualifications, and cost-effectiveness. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for interviews or additional discussions.
Important Dates:
- Request for Proposal Issued: 05/04/24
- Deadline for Proposal Submission: 12/04/24
- Notification of Award: 19/04/24
- Project Commencement: 26/04/24
We look forward to receiving your proposals and collaborating to facilitate meaningful pre-election dialogues and a premier debate for the Western Cape, South Africa.