Department of Home Affairs (DHA) Tenders in South Africa

The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) manages South Africa's civil registration system, identity documents, passports, permits, immigration, and citizenship. As a highly technology-dependent department, DHA is a major procurer of ICT systems, biometric technology, document printing and security features, border management infrastructure, and professional services. The department operates through its national office and a network of over 400 offices and service points countrywide, each generating facilities, equipment, and support services procurement needs.

Core Technology and Document Procurement at DHA

DHA's most high-profile procurement categories involve identity document production and management systems. The Smart ID Card and Passport production systems are managed through large multi-year contracts covering card and booklet manufacturing, printing, security feature integration, and personalisation systems. These contracts involve highly specialised security printing technology and are typically open only to internationally accredited document security companies in partnership with South African B-BBEE compliant entities. The DHA has periodically tendered for end-to-end document management systems covering capture, processing, verification, and issuance.

ICT systems for DHA include the National Population Register (NPR) management platform, the Electronic Document Management System (EDMS), the Movement Control System (MCS) for border management, and the Biometric Movement Control System (BMCS). These systems generate procurement for software development, integration services, system maintenance, hardware supply, and network infrastructure. The Department of Home Affairs has also partnered with the Government Technical Advisory Centre (GTAC) and State IT Agency (SITA) for some of its technology procurement, which means suppliers may need to engage through SITA's contract vehicles.

Smart ID Card and Passport production: security printing, personalisation systems
National Population Register (NPR): database management, data integrity services
Border management: Movement Control System, biometric capture systems
EDMS and document processing systems maintenance and enhancement
ICT infrastructure: servers, networks, workstations for 400+ DHA offices

Civic Services Infrastructure and Offices

DHA operates a network of Home Affairs offices across South Africa, including dedicated Home Affairs offices at hospitals for birth registration services and at ports of entry for immigration processing. Each office requires building maintenance, office equipment, furniture, printing consumables, security services, and cleaning services. These lower-value, geographically distributed contracts are accessible to SMMEs and emerging contractors in the regions where DHA offices are located. Regional managers have delegated procurement authority for low-value purchases within set thresholds.

DHA is implementing the modernisation of its service delivery model through the Integrated Civic Services System (ICS) and the Home Affairs National Identification System (HANIS). These modernisation projects generate significant consulting, ICT, and training service procurement opportunities. The DHA's Digital Transformation Programme aims to enable online and mobile access to civic services, creating demand for digital identity verification technology, API integration services, and cybersecurity expertise. Suppliers with digital government transformation experience are well positioned for these emerging procurement opportunities.

Office maintenance, furniture, and equipment for 400+ DHA service points
Security services, cleaning, and facilities management for DHA offices
Hospital-based Home Affairs offices: specialised service delivery equipment
ICS and HANIS modernisation: consulting, ICT, and change management services
Digital identity and cybersecurity services for DHA online service channels

Border Management and Immigration Services Procurement

The Border Management Authority (BMA), established under the Border Management Authority Act, is progressively taking over the management of South Africa's land, sea, and air ports of entry from DHA and other agencies. The BMA represents a new and growing procurement entity for border infrastructure, ICT systems, vehicle fleet management, biometric scanners, X-ray inspection equipment, and personnel support services. Suppliers familiar with border security technology, customs systems integration, and port of entry infrastructure will find significant opportunities as the BMA builds its operational capacity.

DHA's immigration services generate procurement for refugee reception office facilities and services, asylum seeker permit systems, visa processing technology, and the employment of interpreters for immigration hearings. The Refugee Affairs Directorate operates refugee reception centres in major cities and at border posts, each requiring facility services, security, catering, and ICT support. Some of these services have historically been managed through UNHCR partnerships, but the DHA's drive to internalise immigration services is creating new direct procurement opportunities.

Border Management Authority (BMA): new entity for border technology and infrastructure
Biometric scanners, X-ray inspection, and port of entry security systems
Refugee reception offices: facility services, security, catering, ICT support
Visa processing technology and online immigration systems
Interpreter and language services for immigration and asylum proceedings

Need Help Winning This Tender?

Our experts at TenderWin specialise in tender preparation, BBBEE compliance, and bid strategy. Get a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are DHA tenders advertised?

DHA tenders are advertised on the National Treasury eTender portal (etenders.gov.za), on the DHA official website (dha.gov.za), and in the Government Tender Bulletin. Some DHA ICT tenders are managed through the State IT Agency (SITA) and advertised on the SITA procurement portal (sita.co.za). The Border Management Authority also maintains its own emerging procurement presence.

Does DHA use the State IT Agency (SITA) for all its ICT procurement?

Not exclusively. While SITA is the mandatory channel for certain categories of government ICT procurement, DHA has sought and obtained exemptions from SITA for some mission-critical systems (such as the Smart ID production system) on the grounds that SITA cannot provide the required specialised capability. DHA may procure certain ICT solutions directly where SITA exemptions are obtained and approved by National Treasury. Suppliers should check whether a specific DHA ICT tender is SITA-managed or directly procured.

Can a South African company supply security printing technology to DHA?

Security printing for identity documents (Smart ID Cards, passports, and visas) involves highly specialised technology regulated under international conventions including ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) standards. While South African companies can participate in these contracts, typically as local partners in a JV with an internationally certified security printing company, the core technology and security features must meet ICAO standards. The Government Printing Works (GPW) is the primary state entity for government security printing and DHA works closely with GPW for document production.

What professional services does DHA procure?

DHA procures a range of professional services including legal services (immigration law, litigation support), ICT consulting (systems analysis, project management for modernisation projects), human resources consulting, monitoring and evaluation services, and language and interpretation services. Communications, public education campaigns, and stakeholder engagement services are also procured. Firms with public sector transformation, digital government, and immigration management expertise are particularly relevant to DHA's current strategic priorities.

How does the Government Printing Works relate to DHA procurement?

The Government Printing Works (GPW) is a state entity under the DHA portfolio mandate responsible for printing government documents, identity documents, and official publications. GPW procures its own raw materials, printing equipment, security inks, and substrates (specialised paper and card). For suppliers to GPW specifically, engagement must be made with GPW's own SCM division. GPW tenders are advertised separately from DHA departmental tenders on the eTender portal and GPW website.

Are there SMME opportunities in DHA procurement?

Yes. Many of DHA's support service contracts (office cleaning, security guarding, office maintenance, stationery supply, and courier services) are accessible to SMMEs at the local level. Regional and provincial DHA offices procure these services through simplified competitive bidding processes within their delegated authorities. DHA also has transformation commitments that encourage procurement from black-owned businesses under the PPPFA framework. ICT support and maintenance services at the desktop and network level are also categories where SMMEs can compete.

Related Guides

Get Daily Tender Alerts

Receive daily alerts for government tenders matching your business profile. Never miss a tender opportunity again.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. By subscribing you agree to our Privacy Policy.