Local businesses in the communications, media and creative industries have an opportunity to strengthen their professional portfolios, build credible track records and position themselves for future contracts through a call for Expressions of Interest (EOIs) issued by Waterford Kamhlaba United World College of Southern Africa (UWCSA).
The institution is inviting agencies, freelancers, consultants and creative service providers to express their interest in becoming part of its preferred supplier pool for communication-related goods and services. The deadline for submissions is November 18, 2026.
For businesses looking to grow, opportunities of this nature offer more than the prospect of securing work. They provide a chance to establish relationships with reputable institutions, demonstrate professional capacity and build a record of experience that can strengthen future applications for business.
Small and emerging businesses, in particular, can benefit from taking such opportunities seriously. In a competitive market, a strong portfolio, verifiable client references and a history of delivering quality work can make a significant difference when competing for contracts.
An opportunity to build a stronger business profile
Waterford Kamhlaba’s call covers a broad range of services, opening the door to businesses and individuals with different areas of expertise.
The categories include photography and videography, graphic design, printing and branded materials, digital and social media, media and public relations, livestreaming and event production, editorial and content writing, as well as translation and interpretation.
This creates opportunities for established agencies and smaller specialist providers to put their services forward. Applicants may express interest in one or more categories, while local, regional and international service providers are welcome to apply.
For local businesses, the value lies partly in the opportunity to demonstrate what they can offer to an established educational institution. Experience gained through institutional work can help providers understand professional expectations, strengthen their processes and develop work samples that demonstrate their capabilities to prospective clients.
For example, a photography business could use its experience working with an institution to demonstrate its ability to cover formal events, while a graphic design company could build its portfolio through branding and communication assignments. Similarly, a writing or public relations service provider could use relevant assignments to demonstrate its ability to produce professional content for institutional audiences.
Although inclusion in the supplier pool does not guarantee a contract, the process provides businesses with an opportunity to introduce themselves and potentially be considered for future assignments.
Professional credibility matters
Winning business is not always about having the lowest price. Clients also want to know whether a service provider has the experience, resources and reliability required to deliver.
This is where building a verifiable track record becomes important. Each completed assignment, satisfied client and documented project can contribute to a business’s credibility.
Businesses that consistently document their work, request client references and maintain professional portfolios are better positioned to demonstrate their value when new opportunities arise.
The Waterford Kamhlaba EOI also highlights the importance of presenting a business professionally. Interested providers are required to submit their organisation’s or individual name, location and contact details, alongside a brief profile outlining their services and relevant experience.
Applicants must identify the categories in which they wish to be considered and provide a portfolio or samples of previous work. Secure links to online portfolios are acceptable.
They are also asked to indicate whether they have worked with schools, universities or nonprofit and non-governmental organisations, providing verifiable examples where applicable.
An indicative rate card or general pricing structure is required, although detailed, project-specific pricing is not necessary at this stage.
Providers must further outline their general availability and capacity, including whether they can travel to Eswatini, work remotely or accommodate retainer arrangements. Three or more verifiable references from comparable past clients are also required.
These requirements underline the importance of maintaining proper business records, collecting evidence of completed work and building professional relationships that can lead to credible recommendations.
