B-BBEE Compliance Quick Guide for Tender Submissions

Why B-BBEE proof matters in tenders

In most South African public tenders, your final score is split between price and preference points. The preference points are heavily driven by your B-BBEE Status Level, so the proof you submit literally affects your evaluation score.

Get the proof right and you maximise your points. Get it wrong — or attach the wrong document — and you can lose the points entirely, even if you actually qualify.

What B-BBEE proof is commonly requested

Depending on your business size and the tender's requirements, you'll usually be asked for one of the following:

1. B-BBEE Verification Certificate — issued by a SANAS-accredited B-BBEE verification agency. Usually required for QSEs (turnover R10m–R50m) and Generic enterprises (above R50m).
2. B-BBEE Sworn Affidavit — used by Exempted Micro Enterprises (EMEs) and, in some sectors, by QSEs.
3. Sector-specific affidavit — sectors like Construction, ICT, Tourism, etc. sometimes have their own affidavit format.

Certificate vs Affidavit — the simple difference

• A Verification Certificate is issued after a formal assessment by a SANAS-accredited agency. It is required for larger businesses or where the buyer specifically demands one.
• A Sworn Affidavit is a self-declaration signed in front of a Commissioner of Oaths. It is allowed for smaller businesses (typically EMEs) under the Codes.

Both are valid for 12 months from the date of issue / signature.

Why you must check the exact tender wording

Some tenders specifically require a Verification Certificate and will not accept an affidavit, even from an EME. If you submit an affidavit when the tender requires a certificate, you may get zero preference points.

Look for phrases like:

• 'A B-BBEE Verification Certificate issued by a SANAS-accredited agency must be submitted.'
• 'Sworn affidavits will be accepted only for EMEs.'
• 'Failure to attach valid B-BBEE proof will result in zero preference points.'

Common mistakes

1. Affidavit older than 12 months — automatic rejection of B-BBEE points.
2. Wrong B-BBEE level declared on MBD 6.1 — must match the certificate / affidavit.
3. Missing certificate or affidavit — only marking the level on MBD 6.1 is not enough. You must attach the proof.
4. Wrong affidavit format — using the Generic Codes affidavit when a Sector Code affidavit is required.
5. Inconsistencies between the affidavit and the CSD record (registered name, ownership %).
6. Signed but not commissioned — the Commissioner of Oaths' stamp is what makes it valid.
7. Mistaking Black ownership % for B-BBEE level — they are not the same.

Quick pre-submission checklist

• [ ] You read the tender's specific B-BBEE wording — affidavit vs certificate.
• [ ] Your certificate / affidavit is dated within the last 12 months.
• [ ] The B-BBEE level on the document matches the level claimed on MBD 6.1.
• [ ] The affidavit format matches your sector (Generic vs Sector Code).
• [ ] The deponent on the affidavit is a current director / member.
• [ ] The affidavit has a Commissioner of Oaths' stamp and signature.
• [ ] The B-BBEE proof is included in your returnable documents list.
• [ ] The information matches your CSD profile and CIPC records.

Disclaimer

This is general guidance and not B-BBEE or legal advice. Codes change. Sector codes vary. When in doubt — and especially for higher-value bids — consult a SANAS-accredited verification agency or a qualified B-BBEE consultant.