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Official Form Help MBD / SBD

MBD 4 — Declaration of Interest (Companion Guide)

Plain-English companion guide to MBD 4 / SBD 4, the Declaration of Interest. What it is, when it's used, what you are declaring, common errors and the before-you-sign checklist.

2 min read

This is a companion guide — not the official form.

BidBetter does not reproduce regulated South African Government forms. Always download and use the latest official version directly from National Treasury or the relevant authority.

What it is

MBD 4 (or SBD 4) — Declaration of Interest is a National Treasury standard form. By signing it, the bidder declares whether they, their directors, members or family members have any interest, relationship or connection to officials of the issuing entity that could constitute a conflict of interest.

It protects the integrity of the procurement process and helps the entity manage real or perceived conflicts.

When it is used

MBD 4 / SBD 4 is required for most public-sector tenders, RFPs and many RFQs issued by South African organs of state. If your tender pack includes an MBD 4, it is mandatory.

What you are declaring

In plain English, you are declaring whether:

Any director, member, partner, manager or shareholder of your business is a public servant or has been a public servant in the last [period stated on the form].
Any person related to a director, member, partner or manager (including spouses and immediate family) is a public servant or employed by the issuing entity.
Your business has family / business ties to any official involved in the procurement of this tender.
Your business has any other interest that could be a conflict.

You must list names, ID numbers, positions and the relationship for any 'YES' answer.

How to complete it

Download the latest version of MBD 4 from the official tender pack or National Treasury.
Complete the bidder's company details (these must match CIPC and CSD).
Answer every question — do not leave fields blank.
Where the answer is YES, complete the table with full details.
Where the answer is NO, still mark NO clearly. Blanks are routinely treated as non-compliance.
Sign the form by an authorised signatory (usually a director).
Date and stamp (where a company stamp is used).

Common errors

Leaving questions blank instead of marking NO.
Answering NO when there is a known conflict — this is fraudulent and can lead to disqualification, blacklisting and criminal liability.
Signing by someone not authorised to bind the company.
Inconsistent details between MBD 4 and the CSD report / company profile.
Submitting an outdated version of the form.

Before-you-sign checklist

[ ] Latest version of MBD 4 / SBD 4 used.
[ ] All bidder details match CIPC and CSD.
[ ] Every question answered — no blanks.
[ ] Conflicts disclosed honestly with full detail.
[ ] Signed by a director or duly authorised representative.
[ ] Date filled in.
[ ] Stamp applied (if your company uses a stamp).

Disclaimer

This is general guidance and not legal advice. False declarations on MBD 4 / SBD 4 are a serious matter. If you are unsure whether something must be disclosed, ask a qualified attorney or compliance professional before signing.

Get the official form

Always use the latest version — older versions may be rejected.

This is general guidance only and is not legal, tax, or compliance advice. Requirements change frequently. Always read the specific tender document and consult a qualified professional where required.

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