For EME Affidavit.
From issue date.
Procurement Recog.
Procurement Recog.
Critical Problems We Solve
Effective financial management isn't just about balancing books; it's about removing the friction points that stall your business growth.
Disqualification from government tenders
Inability to become a vendor for large corporates
Confusion about EME vs QSE vs Generic scorecards
Expired compliance documents
EME vs QSE
The most common confusion is between Exempt Micro Enterprises (EMEs) and Qualifying Small Enterprises (QSEs).
**EME (Turnover < R10m):** Automatically compliant. Only needs an affidavit. No audit required.
**QSE (Turnover R10m - R50m):** Must comply with all 5 elements of the scorecard (Ownership, Management, Skills, Enterprise Dev, Socio-Economic Dev) UNLESS 51% black-owned.
- Threshold: R10 Million
- Automatic Levels
- Affidavit vs Certificate
- Scorecard Elements
Levels Explained
Your level determines your attractiveness as a supplier. Companies want to buy from Level 1 or 2 suppliers to boost their OWN score.
**Level 1 (135%):** 100% Black Owned. **Level 2 (125%):** >51% Black Owned. **Level 4 (100%):** <51% Black Owned.
We strategize legal ways to improve your level through legitimate ownership structures, not fronting.
- Procurement Recognition
- Supplier Competitiveness
- Strategic Ownership
- Legal Structure
Sector Charters
Warning: Generic codes don't apply to everyone. If you are in Construction, Transport, ICT, Tourism, or Agriculture, you fall under a **Sector Charter**.
These charters often have different thresholds (e.g., Construction contractors are EME only up to R6m or R10m depending on class). We check your sector code first to avoid an invalid affidavit.
- Construction Charter
- ICT Charter
- Transport Charter
- Different Thresholds
Getting the Affidavit Right Before It Is Used
A B-BBEE affidavit looks simple, but it is often used in high-stakes situations: tenders, supplier onboarding, funding applications, and corporate procurement checks. If the turnover period, ownership percentage, sector code, company name, registration number, or signatory details are wrong, the document may be rejected even when the business is genuinely compliant.
We review the practical evidence before the affidavit is finalised. That includes latest turnover information, CIPC company details, shareholding records, director information, and any sector-specific requirement in the request pack. Where ownership is held through another company, trust, or family arrangement, we check whether the reported black ownership can be supported clearly.
This protects SMEs from using a document that looks valid but fails when a customer asks questions. It also helps directors avoid making a sworn statement that does not match the records behind it.
- Turnover and ownership checked before signing
- Sector-code requirements reviewed where relevant
- CIPC and share records aligned to the affidavit
- Tender rejection risk reduced through cleaner support
When an EME Becomes a QSE
Many businesses only think about B-BBEE when a customer asks for a document. Growth can change the position quickly. Once turnover moves beyond the EME threshold, the business may need a different verification route, stronger scorecard planning, or earlier preparation of ownership, management control, skills, supplier development, and socio-economic development evidence.
We help owners understand that point before a deadline forces the issue. If the business is still an EME, the focus is a clean affidavit and accurate ownership disclosure. If it is approaching QSE status, the focus shifts to what evidence should be gathered during the year so the next verification is not rushed.
For tender-driven SMEs, this planning matters. B-BBEE status affects procurement scoring, supplier registration, and customer competitiveness. A simple annual check helps the business renew the right document and avoid surprises when turnover or ownership changes.
- EME and QSE thresholds reviewed against turnover
- Ownership changes checked before renewal
- Future verification evidence planned early
- Supplier and tender readiness supported
Who Is This For?
- Start-ups (Turnover < R10m)
- Small Businesses (EMEs)
- Black-Owned Businesses
- Companies responding to Tenders
Engagement Requirements
- Financial Statements (to prove turnover)
- Shareholder Certificates
- ID Copies of Directors
- Company Registration Documents
- Latest turnover confirmation or management accounts for the relevant financial period
- Current ownership information, share register, and director details
- Tender, supplier, or sector-code requirements if a specific format is requested
Deliverables & Results
- Valid B-BBEE Sworn Affidavit (CIPC/DTI format)
- Assessment of Black Ownership status
- Sector Charter advice (Construction, ICT, etc.)
- Consultation on QSE thresholds
- Renewals and updates
South African Compliance Context
"Creations transformed how we handle SARS. No more compliance anxiety."
Trusted Resources
Our Operational Methodology
A structured, 5-step approach designed for precision and clarity.
We verify your annual turnover and shareholding structure to confirm your EME status.
We prepare the official DTI or CIPC-aligned sworn affidavit.
You sign the affidavit before a Commissioner of Oaths (we can facilitate this).
You receive a valid B-BBEE document ready for tenders and supplier databases.
Professional Insights
Never buy a 'BEE Certificate' for an EME from a verification agency unless required by a specific tender. An affidavit is the legal standard.
Fronting (faking black ownership) is a criminal offence punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Ensure your ownership structure is legitimate.
Your B-BBEE level is crucial for winning government tenders and corporate supply contracts.
A short annual B-BBEE review helps SMEs renew the right document before supplier deadlines, tender submissions, or ownership changes create pressure.
Related Insights and Resources
Use these links to move from service scope into practical guidance, supporting documents, and regional pages.
Practical guidance on accounting and Bookkeeping Where Businesses Need Both.
Practical guidance on how to Choose Bookkeeping Services in South Africa.
Practical guidance on tax Clearance Certificate What Usually Delays Approval.
Practical guidance on how Management Accounts Improve Business Decisions.
Practical guidance on why Bookkeeping Quality Affects Year-End Financial Statements.
Practical guidance on vAT Registration Mistakes That Slow SARS Approval.
Common Questions
Everything you need to know about our bee certification & eme affidavits service.
Do I need a verification agency?
If your turnover is under R10 million, NO. You only need a Sworn Affidavit. Paying thousands for a certificate is a waste of money.
What level will I be?
If you are <51% black-owned, you are Level 4. If you are >51% black-owned, Level 2. If 100% black-owned, Level 1.
What about the Construction Sector?
The Construction Sector Code is stricter. Even EMEs may need to register with the BEP. We can guide you through this specific code.
Does this expire?
Yes, a B-BBEE affidavit/certificate is valid for 12 months from the date of issue.
What should be checked before signing a B-BBEE affidavit?
Turnover, ownership percentage, sector code, company details, financial period, and authorised signatory should be checked before signing. An incorrect affidavit can be rejected by a tender administrator or supplier onboarding team.
Trusted by South African SMEs
See how we've transformed the financial frameworks of companies just like yours.
