The B-BBEE Verification Process — What It Entails

If you’re a business owner thinking about getting your B-BBEE certificate, you might be wondering: What exactly am I signing up for? Is it really expensive, long, and stressful? The good news is: with the right support, it’s much more manageable than you may have heard. Let’s walk through what the process currently involves (as of mid-2025), especially for EMEs, QSEs, and Generic entities.

Key Definitions: Who’s Who

Recent Enhancements & Important Regulatory Changes

• As of 6 June 2025, CIPC introduced enhancements to how EMEs handle their verification/affidavit process. These include using Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes, sector charter councils, and distinguishing between South African Black and permanent non-South African Black persons. 
• EMEs remain eligible to use affidavits (instead of full audits) when their turnover is at or below R10 million.
• If a business is an EME but has foreign directors/members that complicate certificate eligibility, an affidavit can still serve, as long as it meets legal requirements.

Step-By-Step: What the Verification Process Looks Like

Here’s a breakdown of what Jane can expect if she decides to get verified, depending on her business class (EME, QSE, or Generic).

1. Initial Consultation & Classification

• Talk with an accredited verification agency.
• Establish whether your business is an EME, QSE, or Generic based on turnover and ownership structure.

1. Determine What Path You Use (Affidavit vs Full Verification)

• If you’re an EME, you can use an affidavit. Automatically Level 4 if turnover ≤ R10 million. Upgrades to Level 2 if ≥ 51% black owned; Level 1 if 100% black ownership. 
• QSEs with 51%+ or 100% black ownership may also use affidavits under certain conditions. Otherwise, they must undergo a verification using the QSE scorecard.
• Generic Enterprises always need full verification.

1. Choose an Accredited Verification Agency

• Must be SANAS-accredited.
• They’ll issue a Request for Verification, provide a quote, and draft a Letter of Engagement. 

1. Gather Supporting Documents

• For all element categories (as per the scorecard): ownership, management control, skills development, supplier & enterprise development, socio-economic development. Generic and most QSEs will need more documentation.
• For EMEs using affidavits: simple proof of turnover, ownership percentages, a sworn statement before a Commissioner of Oaths. 

1. On-Site Visit (if required)

• For QSEs and Generics, verification agencies usually conduct site visits: reviewing original documents, interviewing employees/stakeholders, etc. 
• EMEs may not need this if only the affidavit route is used.

1. Scoring & Draft Report

• The agency assesses how many points you achieved across all relevant elements.
• They generate a preliminary (draft) report or scorecard for your review. You may have an opportunity to clarify discrepancies or submit additional evidence. 

1. Final Verification & Certificate / Affidavit

• Once all is clear, you receive your B-BBEE Certificate (for QSEs, Generics or those EMEs needing certificates) or Affidavit / CIPC certificate (for qualifying EMEs). Valid for 12 months. 
• If you want to improve your level (e.g. move from Level 4 to 2 or even 1), your verification agency can help you plan how to increase black ownership, improve skills development, or make changes in supplier development, etc.

Common Myths vs Reality

What to Watch Out For

• Ensure the verification agency is SANAS-accredited — this matters for certificate validity.
• Use correct SIC codes and sector chart interpretation since 2025, these are more closely monitored.
• Affidavits must be properly sworn and meet all legal requirements — errors can invalidate them. 
• Keep records: training, ownership, procurement, supplier development etc., to accurately support your scorecard.

Timeline & Costs (Approximate)

• For EMEs using the affidavit: Generally very quick (days to a few weeks), minimal cost (mostly legal admin).
• For QSEs / Generic: Usually takes several weeks to a few months depending on the complexity of the business, the completeness of documents, and responsiveness. RSM estimates up to 3 months from submission to certificate. 
• Costs vary by agency and size—smaller businesses have lower fees; large companies incur higher fees due to more documentation, more site visits, etc.

Practical Tips to Make the Process Smooth

• Start early — don’t wait until you need a certificate in a tender submission.
• Do a self-assessment first to see where you’re strong and weak.
• Organise your documents in advance (ownership, financials, supplier info, staff and training data).
• Work with an experienced verification agency or consultant.
• If you’re an EME, decide whether you want to aim higher (Level 2 or 1) via ownership changes, because that affects deciding between affidavit and more formal verification.

Summary

In short, the B-BBEE verification process is different depending on your business’ size and structure. For many small businesses (EMEs), it’s now simpler and more affordable. For larger or more complex entities (QSE/Gens), there’s more to do. But in all cases, the process is structured and meant to be transparent.

Ready to Start the Verification Journey?

If you’re ready to go through the process—but want expert help so it’s smooth, correct, and optimised—just fill in our quick Compliance Request Form. Cenfed Business Consulting will guide you step-by-step: from understanding your classification, to gathering documents, to submitting, to maintaining or improving your score. Let’s make B-BBEE work for you—not against you.