How to Get a B-BBEE Certificate for Tenders
Your B-BBEE status earns you preference points when the government scores your tender, so it directly affects whether you win. If your business turns over less than R10 million a year (an EME), you don't need an expensive verification — you can use a free sworn affidavit, or get a free B-BBEE certificate from the CIPC. Here's how each route works.
The three routes, by business size
- EME (turnover under R10 million): use a free B-BBEE sworn affidavit (a standard template signed before a Commissioner of Oaths) confirming your turnover and black ownership. An EME is automatically at least Level 4; 51%+ black-owned = Level 2; 100% black-owned = Level 1. The CIPC also issues free B-BBEE certificates to EMEs.
- QSE (turnover R10m–R50m): if you're 51%+ black-owned you can also use a sworn affidavit; otherwise you need a verified certificate.
- Generic (turnover over R50m): you need a verified B-BBEE certificate from a SANAS-accredited verification agency, based on the full scorecard.
How B-BBEE points are scored in tenders
Government uses a preference-points system: 80/20 for tenders up to R50 million and 90/10 for larger ones. Price carries 80 (or 90) points and your B-BBEE level carries the remaining 20 (or 10). A Level 1 supplier gets the maximum B-BBEE points, a Level 2 slightly fewer, and so on — so a stronger B-BBEE level can outweigh a slightly higher price.
Getting your free EME affidavit
- Download the standard EME (or QSE) B-BBEE affidavit template — the DTIC and most municipalities publish the exact wording.
- Fill in your business details, annual turnover, and percentage black ownership.
- Sign it in front of a Commissioner of Oaths (free at any police station or many banks).
- Submit it with your bid. Renew it every 12 months.
Knowing the rules isn't the same as winning
Understanding the paperwork is step one. Winning the bid is step two — and it's where most businesses lose. The Tender Ready SA toolkit hands you the exact system: the returnable-documents checklist that stops you being disqualified, how to price to win, and the dreaded SBD forms decoded in plain English. For R399, once.
Get the R399 toolkit → learn to winFrequently asked questions
What B-BBEE level do I need to win tenders?
There is usually no minimum level required to bid, but a higher level (Level 1 is best) earns more preference points, which improves your chances. Many small, black-owned businesses qualify as Level 1 or 2 automatically via the EME affidavit.
How do I get a B-BBEE certificate?
If you turn over under R10m, use a free sworn affidavit or a free CIPC B-BBEE certificate. Larger businesses need a verified certificate from a SANAS-accredited verification agency.
Is a B-BBEE affidavit as good as a certificate?
Yes — for EMEs and qualifying QSEs, a properly commissioned sworn affidavit is legally accepted in place of a verification certificate, and it's free.
How long is a B-BBEE certificate or affidavit valid?
Twelve months from the date of issue/signature. Renew it before it expires so you're never disqualified on a technicality.
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