MBD 4 — Declaration of Interest (Companion Guide)

What it is

MBD 4 (also known as SBD 4) — Declaration of Interest is a National Treasury standard bidding document. It declares whether the bidder, its directors or its shareholders are connected — by employment, family or business — to anyone in the service of the State or the bidding entity.

When it is used

MBD 4 is mandatory in virtually every South African public tender. A missing or unsigned MBD 4 is a common reason for disqualification.

What is being declared

You are declaring whether:

• any director, shareholder or employee of your bidding entity is currently in the service of the State, or has been in the past 12 months
• any close family member of a director / shareholder is in the service of the State
• any of the above has a direct or indirect personal financial interest in the outcome of the bid
• you have any business or familial relationship with employees of the entity issuing the tender

How to complete it

1. Use the latest version of the form (download from National Treasury).
2. Tick YES or NO for each question — never leave blanks.
3. If you tick YES, complete the related disclosure boxes truthfully and in full.
4. List all directors and shareholders with ID numbers (typically full CIPC director list).
5. Sign by the duly authorised representative of the bidder.
6. Date the form on the same date as your bid submission.

Common mistakes

• Leaving sections blank or marking only one tick column.
• Failing to disclose a family member who works in the public sector — even at municipal level.
• Inconsistent director list between MBD 4, the company profile and CIPC records.
• Wrong / unauthorised person signing.
• Not dating the form, or dating it after the closing date.

Supporting document tips

• Run a fresh CIPC company report before signing — match director details exactly.
• If anyone in the company is also a public official, complete a separate disclosure note giving full details.
• Keep a register internally so you don't miss disclosures across multiple bids.

Before you sign — quick checklist

• [ ] Latest MBD 4 form (downloaded from Treasury, not a third-party copy)
• [ ] Every YES/NO field answered
• [ ] Director/shareholder list complete and accurate
• [ ] Disclosures fully completed where ticked YES
• [ ] Signed by an authorised representative
• [ ] Dated correctly

Not legal advice. Read MBD 4 carefully. False declarations are a criminal offence under the PFMA and may result in blacklisting on the Database of Restricted Suppliers.