B-BBEE for tenders: certificate or sworn affidavit?
Updated 26 Oct 2026 · 4 minute read
Most tenders give extra points for your B-BBEE level. To claim them you must prove your level with either a B-BBEE certificate from an accredited verification agency, or a sworn affidavit.
Which one do you need?
- Exempted Micro Enterprise (EME), yearly turnover up to R10 million: a sworn affidavit is enough.
- Qualifying Small Enterprise (QSE), turnover R10 million to R50 million: an affidavit is allowed if the business is at least 51% black-owned. Otherwise you need a verification certificate.
- Bigger businesses: a certificate from a SANAS-accredited verification agency.
- Some industries have their own codes (for example construction), with different turnover limits. Check the code for your sector.
How to do the affidavit
- Download the correct affidavit template for your sector from the dtic website.
- Fill in your turnover and black ownership.
- Sign it in front of a Commissioner of Oaths (police stations and many attorneys do this for free).
- Use a new affidavit each year, based on your latest financial year.
Common mistakes
- Using an old or expired affidavit or certificate.
- Using the generic template when your sector has its own code.
- Not getting it commissioned, or the commissioner's stamp missing.
Are you ready to bid?
Answer a few questions and see which papers you still need. Free, 1 minute.
Questions
Do I need B-BBEE to bid?
Usually no: you can bid without it, but you score zero preference points, which makes winning much harder.
Does a B-BBEE affidavit cost money?
The template is free and many police stations commission it for free.
Rules and websites change. Always check the official source: B-BBEE Commission.
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