If you want to apply for:

• Government tenders

• Corporate supplier databases

• Business funding

• Enterprise development programs

You’ll likely be asked for a B-BBEE certificate.

But how do you get one?
And does every business need the same type?

Let’s break it down clearly.

What Is a B-BBEE Certificate?

A B-BBEE certificate proves your business’s Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) status.

B-BBEE is governed under the
Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act

It measures how your business contributes to economic transformation through:

• Ownership

• Management control

• Skills development

• Enterprise & supplier development

• Socio-economic development

Your business receives a B-BBEE level from Level 1 (highest) to Level 8.

Do All Businesses Need a B-BBEE Certificate?

Not all businesses are measured the same way.

It depends on your annual turnover.

 EME (Exempted Micro Enterprise)

If your turnover is R10 million or less per year, you qualify as an EME.

EMEs:

• Automatically qualify for Level 4 (or higher if 100% black-owned)

• Do NOT need full verification

• Can obtain a B-BBEE affidavit instead of a full certificate

This is the simplest and cheapest option.

 QSE (Qualifying Small Enterprise)

If your turnover is between:

R10 million – R50 million per year

You must be measured against the QSE scorecard and may need formal verification.

 Generic Enterprise

If turnover exceeds R50 million, full verification and scoring are required.

How to Get a B-BBEE Certificate (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Determine Your Turnover Category

Confirm whether you are:

• EME

• QSE

• Generic

This determines your process.

Step 2: Choose the Right Type of Certificate

✔ For EMEs (Under R10 million)

You can obtain:

• A B-BBEE affidavit (free or low cost)
  OR

• A certificate from a verification agency

Most small businesses use an affidavit.

Step 3: Complete an Affidavit (For EMEs)

An EME affidavit must:

• Be signed before a Commissioner of Oaths

• State your annual turnover

• Declare black ownership percentage

The affidavit is valid for 12 months.

Step 4: Use an Accredited Verification Agency (For QSE & Generic)

Verification must be done by agencies accredited by the
South African National Accreditation System (SANAS)

They will:

• Assess your ownership

• Evaluate scorecard elements

• Issue a B-BBEE certificate

What Documents Do You Need?

For EMEs:

• Company registration documents (if registered with
   **Companies and Intellectual Property Commission)

• ID copies of owners

• Financial statements or turnover confirmation

For QSE/Generic:

• Financial statements

• Payroll records

• Skills development records

• Ownership structure documents

• Supplier development contributions

How Long Is a B-BBEE Certificate Valid?

✔ 12 months from date of issue
✔ Must be renewed annually

Expired certificates are not accepted for tenders or supplier registrations.

How Much Does It Cost?

• EME Affidavit: Often free (just Commissioner of Oaths stamp)

• EME Certificate via agency: Low cost

• QSE Verification: Moderate cost

• Generic Verification: Higher cost

Costs depend on complexity and verification provider.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Using expired certificates
❌ Incorrectly declaring turnover
❌ Not renewing annually
❌ Using non-accredited verification agencies
❌ Confusing an affidavit with a full certificate

Always verify legitimacy before submission.

Why a B-BBEE Certificate Matters

A valid B-BBEE certificate helps you:

✔ Win government tenders
✔ Qualify for enterprise development support
✔ Attract corporate clients
✔ Improve funding opportunities
✔ Increase competitiveness

Many large companies require supplier B-BBEE status for procurement compliance.

Final Thoughts

Getting your B-BBEE certificate is not just about compliance — it’s about opportunity.

If your business wants to grow, supply larger companies, or access government contracts, this certificate becomes extremely important.

The good news?
For most small businesses (EMEs), the process is simple and affordable.

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Frequently Asked Questions