BEE Compliance South Africa
Bizztax Accountants provides Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) compliance services for small and medium-sized businesses in South Africa, including BEE affidavits for Exempted Micro Enterprises and Qualifying Small Enterprises.
What is B-BBEE compliance?
Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) is a South African government policy aimed at redressing the inequalities of apartheid by giving previously disadvantaged groups economic opportunities. B-BBEE compliance is measured through a scorecard covering ownership, management control, skills development, enterprise and supplier development, and socio-economic development. Businesses are rated on a scale from Level 1 (highest) to Level 8 (lowest), with non-compliant businesses rated as Level 8 or non-compliant.
Who needs a BEE certificate or affidavit?
Any business that supplies goods or services to government entities, state-owned enterprises or large private sector companies is typically required to provide proof of its B-BBEE status. A BEE certificate or affidavit is also required for certain licences and permits. Even if your clients do not currently require it, having a BEE certificate demonstrates compliance and can open doors to new business opportunities.
Our BEE Services
BEE Affidavit for Exempted Micro Enterprises (EME)
An Exempted Micro Enterprise (EME) is a business with an annual turnover of R10 million or less. EMEs are automatically Level 4 contributors, or Level 1 if 51% or more black-owned, or Level 2 if 30% or more black women-owned. EMEs do not require a full BEE audit — a sworn affidavit from a commissioner of oaths is sufficient. Bizztax prepares and certifies BEE affidavits for EMEs.
BEE Affidavit for Qualifying Small Enterprises (QSE)
A Qualifying Small Enterprise (QSE) has an annual turnover between R10 million and R50 million. QSEs must comply with four of the seven B-BBEE elements and can use a sworn affidavit rather than a full verification. Bizztax assists QSEs with their BEE affidavits and advises on which elements to prioritise.
BEE Compliance Advice
We advise businesses on their B-BBEE obligations, the most cost-effective way to improve their BEE level, and the documentation required for BEE verification. We help you understand the scorecard and identify practical steps to improve your rating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about B-BBEE compliance for South African businesses.
What is the difference between a BEE certificate and a BEE affidavit?
A BEE certificate is issued by an accredited B-BBEE verification agency after a formal audit of your business. A BEE affidavit is a sworn statement signed before a commissioner of oaths, available to EMEs (turnover ≤ R10 million) and QSEs (turnover R10–50 million). Affidavits are simpler and less expensive than full verification.
What BEE level is an EME automatically assigned?
An EME with annual turnover of R10 million or less is automatically a Level 4 B-BBEE contributor. If the EME is 51% or more black-owned, it is automatically Level 1. If it is 30% or more black women-owned, it is automatically Level 2. No verification is required — only a sworn affidavit.
How long is a BEE certificate or affidavit valid?
A BEE affidavit for an EME or QSE is valid for 12 months from the date it is signed. A BEE certificate issued by a verification agency is also typically valid for 12 months. You will need to renew your BEE status annually.
Is BEE compliance compulsory for all businesses in South Africa?
B-BBEE compliance is not legally compulsory for all businesses, but it is a practical requirement for any business that wants to supply to government, state-owned enterprises or large private sector companies. Many procurement policies require suppliers to have a minimum BEE level. Non-compliance can result in losing contracts or being excluded from tender processes.
Related services
Get your BEE affidavit or compliance advice
Contact Bizztax Accountants for BEE affidavits, compliance advice and B-BBEE documentation for your business.