Eskom has issued an open tender for the upgrade of the Slurry Plant Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems at Matla Power Station in Kriel, Mpumalanga. Tender number E2698GXMPMAT was published on 19 March 2026, with a closing date of 24 April 2026 at 10:00. The procurement falls under Eskom’s Generation division and is structured as an Engineering and Construction Contract open to all suppliers.
What Is Being Offered
Eskom is seeking a qualified contractor to upgrade the PLC and SCADA systems at Matla Power Station, with the objective of addressing system obsolescence and enhancing operational reliability. The successful contractor will be responsible for a comprehensive scope of work, including system design, installation, testing, and commissioning, all while minimising downtime to a maximum of three days per cubicle.
The primary objective of this tender is to upgrade the Slurry Plant PLC and SCADA systems at Matla Power Station for a period of two years. The slurry plant is a critical component of the coal-fired generation process, managing the transport and processing of coal residue at one of South Africa’s largest baseload power stations.
Why This Matters Now
The tender is directly linked to Matla Power Station’s broader operational recovery. Matla has seen a 15% improvement in its Energy Availability Factor over the last year, and Eskom’s ongoing investment in the station’s infrastructure — including the recently concluded Matla Life-of-Mine expansion project — signals a deliberate push to extend the plant’s operational life and reliability. Upgrading the automation layer underpinning the slurry handling process is a natural next step in that programme.
The procurement also reflects Eskom’s wider drive to replace legacy control infrastructure across its generation fleet, reducing exposure to equipment failure and improving process visibility at a time when stable baseload output remains critical to South Africa’s grid.
Who Can Participate
Bidders must demonstrate experience in the design, installation, and commissioning of PLC and SCADA systems, with proven project references. Qualified personnel with certifications in control systems, electrical or electronic engineering, and relevant project management experience are required. A minimum of two to three years’ experience in control system upgrades, with specific expertise in PLC, DCS, and SCADA platforms, is mandatory.
Bidders must also demonstrate the ability to develop detailed method statements, system migration strategies, and testing procedures, and must show knowledge of Eskom’s safety, quality, and environmental standards, including ISO 9001 and ISO 14001.
The tender is open to all suppliers. There is no compulsory briefing session, though a virtual briefing was held via Microsoft Teams on 2 April 2026.
How to Access the Tender
Enquiries should be directed to Abegail Mabuza at Abegailm@eskom.co.za or by telephone at 011-800-6943. Full tender documentation, including the Scope of Work, Standard Bidding Documents, and the Engineering and Construction Contract, is available through Eskom’s eTendering portal at eTendering.eskom.co.za, as well as through the National Treasury eTender Publication Portal at etenders.gov.za. Bids must be submitted electronically via the Eskom platform before the closing deadline.
