What is B-BBEE?
Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) is the government policy to increase black South Africans' participation in the economy. Businesses receive a B-BBEE status level from 1 (best) to 8, or are non-compliant. Government and many large companies prefer suppliers with good levels, so your level can affect whether you win work.
Do small businesses need a B-BBEE certificate?
Most small businesses do not need a full verification by an accredited agency. Under the generic Codes of Good Practice, businesses below the thresholds can prove their level with a sworn affidavit, which is quicker and far cheaper.
| Business size | Annual turnover (generic codes) | How to prove your level |
|---|---|---|
| Exempted Micro Enterprise (EME) | R10 million or less | Sworn affidavit |
| Qualifying Small Enterprise (QSE) | More than R10 million, up to R50 million | Affidavit if 51% or more black-owned; otherwise verification |
| Generic enterprise | More than R50 million | Verification by an accredited agency |
What B-BBEE level is my small business?
For an EME, the level depends on black ownership:
- 100% black-owned: Level 1
- At least 51% black-owned: Level 2
- Less than 51% black-owned: Level 4
A start-up in its first year is generally treated as an EME, even before it has a full year's turnover.
How do I get a B-BBEE sworn affidavit?
Use the official affidavit template published by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) for your business size and sector. Fill in the company details, turnover and black ownership percentage, and sign it in front of a commissioner of oaths, for example at a police station. CIPC also offers a B-BBEE certificate service for EMEs.
How long is a B-BBEE affidavit valid?
It is valid for 12 months from the date it was signed. Diarise its expiry, because tenders and supplier onboarding ask for a current one.
Why does my B-BBEE level matter for tenders?
Many government tenders award preference points for specific goals, which often include ownership by black people, women, youth or people with disabilities. Corporate buyers also count their suppliers' levels in their own B-BBEE scores. A valid affidavit keeps you eligible for those points. See how to get government tenders.
What are the common mistakes?
- Using an old template or the wrong sector's template
- Declaring turnover or ownership that does not match your records
- Signing without a commissioner of oaths
- Letting the affidavit expire before a tender closes
Making a false B-BBEE declaration is a criminal offence, so the figures must be accurate.
Step by step
- Confirm your size. Check your annual turnover against the EME and QSE thresholds for your sector code.
- Work out your black ownership. Use your share register to confirm the percentage of black ownership.
- Get the right template. Download the dtic affidavit template for your business size and sector.
- Complete the affidavit. Fill in the business details, turnover and ownership percentage accurately.
- Sign before a commissioner of oaths. Sign and have it commissioned, for example at a police station.
- Diarise renewal. Renew it within 12 months so you always have a current one.