If a buyer, a municipality or a funder asks for your "B-BBEE certificate", you are usually being asked for something simpler and cheaper than you think. Under the Codes of Good Practice, small businesses can prove their status with a sworn affidavit instead of a paid verification. This guide shows which document you need and how to get it right the first time.
First, find out which size of business you are
The Codes classify businesses by their annual total revenue, and the class decides which document you need.
| Size | Annual turnover | How you prove your level |
|---|---|---|
| Exempted Micro Enterprise (EME) | R10 million or less | Sworn affidavit, or a certificate generated through CIPC's online services |
| Qualifying Small Enterprise (QSE) | Above R10 million, up to R50 million | Affidavit only if at least 51% black-owned. Otherwise a scorecard verification |
| Generic (large) | Above R50 million | Full verification by an accredited agency |
What level will you get?
An EME is automatically recognised at Level 4, which counts as 100% of a buyer's spend. Black ownership lifts it:
- 100% black-owned EME: Level 1.
- At least 51% black-owned EME: Level 2.
- Any other EME: Level 4.
A QSE that is 100% black-owned is treated as Level 1, and one that is at least 51% black-owned as Level 2. These are the levels tenders and corporate supplier forms look for.
How to get a sworn affidavit, step by step
- Confirm your turnover. Use the total revenue for your latest financial year, from your annual financial statements or management accounts.
- Confirm ownership. Check your CIPC registration and share register so the black ownership percentage you declare matches the record.
- Use the dtic template. The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition publishes the standard affidavit wording for EMEs and QSEs. Use the version for your size of business.
- Fill in your details. Company name, registration number, financial year end, turnover bracket and ownership percentage.
- Sign before a Commissioner of Oaths. A member, director or owner signs it in front of the Commissioner, who stamps it. Police stations do this free. Take your ID.
- Keep the original and give out copies. Buyers and tender portals usually want a recent, signed and stamped copy.
When you need a verification agency instead
If your turnover is above R50 million, or you are a QSE that is not at least 51% black-owned, you must be scored on the full scorecard by an agency accredited by SANAS. That costs money and takes weeks, so only do it when a buyer truly requires a scored certificate. Our guide to B-BBEE verification certificates explains what the agencies check.
Where the affidavit is used
You will be asked for it when you register on the Central Supplier Database (CSD), bid for government or municipal tenders, join a corporate supplier list, or apply to some funders. Pair it with a valid tax compliance status and a registered company and you cover most of a tender pack. Our tender compliance checklist shows the rest, and the company registration guide covers the CIPC side.
Get started
Get your compliance documents done.
The Tender-Ready Compliance Pack at R2,495 covers your SARS tax compliance, B-BBEE affidavit and CSD registration, built on a registered company. Need the company first? The Basic Registration Pack is R995.
Frequently asked questions
Who qualifies for a B-BBEE affidavit?
An Exempted Micro Enterprise (EME) with annual turnover of R10 million or less, and a Qualifying Small Enterprise (QSE) with turnover above R10 million and up to R50 million that is at least 51% black-owned. Larger or less-owned businesses need a full verification.
What does a B-BBEE affidavit cost?
The affidavit itself is free to write, and a Commissioner of Oaths at a police station signs it at no charge. You only pay if someone prepares it for you.
How long is a B-BBEE affidavit valid?
Twelve months from the date it is signed. Because it is based on your financial year turnover, sign a new one each year.
Can I sign the affidavit for someone else?
No. It must be signed by a member, director or owner who can swear to the turnover and ownership figures, in front of a Commissioner of Oaths.
Keep reading
Register a company
Get the (Pty) Ltd buyers and funders expect to see.
Read the guideWhat funders want
The sections funders read first and the numbers they test.
Read the guideTender compliance checklist
The compliance documents that open government work.
Read the guideKAGO makes businesses funding-ready and compliant. We do not guarantee funding or tender awards; those decisions belong to the funder or buyer. Tax and B-BBEE rules change, so confirm current requirements with SARS, CIPC and the dtic.