# Provision of a WhatsApp AI-enabled omnichannel communication platform for SAQA, including implementation, integration, and support services

> This tender closed on 2026-07-31.

- **Reference:** RFQ2026-27-30 WhatsApp Business API Solution
- **Issuer:** [The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA)](https://za.bidwunder.com/tenders/issuer/the-south-african-qualifications-authority-saqa.md)
- **Region:** Gauteng
- **Type:** Request for quotation
- **Published:** 2026-07-23
- **Closing date:** 2026-07-31 13:00 SAST
- **Sectors:** [Information and communication](https://za.bidwunder.com/tenders/sector/J.md)

## Summary

#### Overview
**Provision of a WhatsApp AI-enabled omnichannel communication platform for SAQA, including implementation, integration, and support services.** Eligible bidders are service providers with: WhatsApp Business API/AI chatbot capabilities, Azure/OpenAI integration experience, secure data handling compliant with POPIA, and the ability to integrate with SAQA systems.

#### Requirements
- Design, implement, and support a WhatsApp Business API-based AI solution with omnichannel capabilities and Azure/OpenAI integration.
- Develop an NLP-based AI chatbot to automate FAQs, guide applicants, and provide real-time status updates; support escalation to humans.
- Integrate with Microsoft Azure services (OpenAI, Blob Storage, APIs, Functions) and SAQA internal applications; ensure secure document processing and storage.
- Implement process automation for submissions, status tracking, document validation, with real-time notifications and escalation.
- Provide reporting and analytics dashboards (usage, interactions, performance); ensure compliance with POPIA and government ICT standards; implement encryption.
- Training, ongoing support, maintenance, and SLA adherence; determine escalation procedures and issue resolution.
- Compliance and procurement requirements: submit CSD report, original/certified B-BBEE certificate or sworn affidavit, sign SBD 4 and SBD 6.1; PDF submissions only; GCC applies; adhere to PPPFA (80/20) with specific goals (e.g., 51% black ownership, 30% black woman ownership).

#### How to Apply
- Deadline: 31 July 2026 at 11:00; responses to rfq@saqa.org.za (PDFs only). Enquiries to Phumudzo Silimela (PSilimela@saqa.org.za).
- Documents to submit (refer to RFQ): signed SBD 4 and SBD 6.1; CSD Central Supplier Database report; original/certified B-BBEE certificate or sworn affidavit (SANAS logo visible); pricing schedule; any other required bid documents.
- Pricing: provide a 12-month price for the solution; rates valid for the contract duration and subject to escalation.
- Delivery expectation: SAQA will request goods via email and the successful bidder should deliver within 1 week (per pricing schedule section).
- Where to obtain bid documents: RFQ2026-27-30 WhatsApp Business API Solution.pdf (attached). For inquiries or clarifications, contact details above.

## Description

Provision of a WhatsApp AI-enabled omnichannel communication platform for SAQA, including implementation, integration, and support services

Provision of a WhatsApp AI-enabled omnichannel communication platform for SAQA, including implementation, integration, and support services

Conditions: N/A

## Documents

- RFQ2026-27-30 WhatsApp Business API Solution.pdf..pdf
- RFQ2026-27-30 WhatsApp Business API Solution.pdf

Documents download with a free BidWunder account.

## Published on

- [eTenders OCDS API](https://www.etenders.gov.za/Home/opportunities?id=1)
- [eTenders.gov.za](https://www.etenders.gov.za)

More open tenders: https://za.bidwunder.com/tenders.md

---

> Source: https://za.bidwunder.com/tenders/provision-of-a-whatsapp-ai-enabled-omnichannel-communication-platform-for-saqa-i-7bc09e98