B-BBEE certificates and sworn affidavits for small businesses
How exempted micro enterprises and qualifying small enterprises show their B-BBEE status level: the dtic's sworn affidavit templates, CIPC's free certificate for EMEs, and the turnover bands.
Checked against the official sources listed below on 11 October 2026.
Why it comes up in tenders
The Central Supplier Database verifies a supplier's B-BBEE status level, and many tenders ask for proof of it. How it counts in a particular tender depends on the specific goals that tender names for preference points, so read the tender's own documents.
Exempted micro enterprises (EMEs)
Under the generic Codes of Good Practice an EME has annual total revenue of R10 million or less. Its status level follows from its black ownership: an EME that is 100% black owned is a Level One contributor, one that is at least 51% black owned is Level Two, and any other EME is Level Four.
An EME shows its level in one of two ways:
- a sworn affidavit on the template published by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), signed before a commissioner of oaths; it is valid for 12 months from the date the commissioner signs it; or
- a B-BBEE certificate issued by CIPC, free of charge, valid for 12 months. Only directors or members may apply for it (no third parties), and an entity with a foreign director or member cannot use CIPC's certificate service.
Qualifying small enterprises (QSEs)
Under the generic codes a QSE has annual total revenue between R10 million and R50 million. The dtic's QSE affidavit template covers a QSE that is 100% black owned (Level One) or at least 51% black owned (Level Two), signed before a commissioner of oaths and valid for 12 months. A QSE with less than 51% black ownership cannot use that template.
Check for a sector code
Some sectors have their own codes of good practice, listed on the dtic's codes page. Check whether one applies to your business before you choose a template; the dtic also publishes separate EME and QSE templates for specialised entities.
Accuracy matters
CIPC warns that applying for a B-BBEE certificate (affidavit) with incorrect information is an offence. Base the figures on your latest financial statements, as the templates ask.
Where Govermate fits
Govermate lists open tenders and requests for quotation by province. Keep a current affidavit or certificate ready so that a short closing date never catches you without one.
Official sources
- B-BBEE Codes, B-BBEE Acts, Strategies & Policies(opens the official page in a new tab)Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic)
- Sworn affidavit – B-BBEE Exempted Micro Enterprise – General(opens the official page in a new tab)Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic)
- Sworn affidavit – B-BBEE Qualifying Small Enterprise – General(opens the official page in a new tab)Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic)
- B-BBEE certification(opens the official page in a new tab)Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC)
- CIPC introduces enhancements to the B-BBEE certificate (affidavit) for EMEs(opens the official page in a new tab)Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC)
- SCM Instruction No. 4A of 2016/17: Central Supplier Database(opens the official page in a new tab)National Treasury