BBBEE Affidavit vs. Certificate: Which One Do You Need?
Confused about whether you need a Sworn Affidavit or a SANAS-accredited BBBEE Certificate? This guide explains the differences, requirements, and when to use each.
BBBEE Affidavit vs. Certificate: Which One Do You Need?
One of the most common questions we get from new tender applicants is: "Do I need to pay for a BBBEE certificate, or can I just use an affidavit?" The answer depends entirely on your annual turnover and black ownership percentage. Using the wrong document can lead to immediate disqualification. This guide clears up the confusion.
The Core Difference
In short: An Affidavit is a self-declaration used by smaller businesses. A Certificate is a verified document issued by an agency for larger businesses.
1. The Sworn Affidavit
Who is it for?
- Exempted Micro Enterprises (EMEs): Any business with an annual turnover of R10 million or less.
- Qualifying Small Enterprises (QSEs): Businesses with turnover between R10 million and R50 million, ONLY if they are at least 51% black-owned.
How does it work?
You download the official DTI template, fill in your details (turnover and ownership), and sign it before a Commissioner of Oaths (e.g., at a police station, bank, or post office).
Cost
Free. (Some commissioners may charge a small admin fee, but the document itself is free).
Validity
Valid for 12 months from the date of signing.
2. The SANAS-Accredited Certificate
Who is it for?
- Generic Enterprises: Any business with an annual turnover above R50 million.
- QSEs (R10m - R50m turnover): That are less than 51% black-owned.
How does it work?
You must hire a SANAS-accredited verification agency. They will audit your business against the BBBEE scorecard elements (Ownership, Management Control, Skills Development, Enterprise & Supplier Development, Socio-Economic Development).
Cost
Can range from R5,000 to R50,000+ depending on the size and complexity of your business.
Validity
Valid for 12 months from the date of issue.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Sworn Affidavit | SANAS Certificate |
|---|---|---|
| Turnover Limit | < R10m (or < R50m if >51% Black Owned) | > R50m (or < R50m if <51% Black Owned) |
| Verification Process | Self-declaration | Full Audit |
| Cost | Free | R5,000 - R50,000+ |
| Issued By | Commissioner of Oaths | SANAS Agency |
| Tender Acceptance | Accepted for EMEs/QSEs | Accepted for All |
Common Misconceptions
Misconception 1: "An affidavit is inferior to a certificate."
False. For an EME, an affidavit is the only legal requirement. A certificate is not "better"; in fact, the DTI has instructed organs of state to accept affidavits from EMEs.
Misconception 2: "I can just buy a certificate online."
Warning. Be very careful. Many online "certificates" are scams or invalid. Only a SANAS-accredited agency can issue a valid certificate. If you are an EME, you don't need to buy anything.
When to Switch from Affidavit to Certificate
You must switch to a certificate when:
- Your annual turnover exceeds R10 million AND you are less than 51% black-owned.
- Your annual turnover exceeds R50 million (regardless of ownership).
- A specific tender (rarely) requires a verified certificate due to sector charter requirements (e.g., some Transport or Construction tenders).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an old affidavit if my financial year hasn't ended?
No. An affidavit is valid for 12 months from the date of signing. You must sign a new one every year, based on your most recent financial year's financial statements.
What if I estimate my turnover incorrectly?
If you declare you are an EME but your audited financials later show you exceeded R10 million, your affidavit is invalid. This constitutes fraud. Always base your declaration on actual financial statements or management accounts.
Does the affidavit need to be on a specific letterhead?
No. You can use the standard DTI template. However, you can print it on your company letterhead if you wish, as long as the content remains exactly the same.
Can the police refuse to sign my affidavit?
They shouldn't, as they are Commissioners of Oaths. However, ensure the document is not already signed. You must sign it in front of them.
What is a CIPC BBBEE Certificate?
The CIPC offers a free BBBEE certificate for EMEs upon company registration or annual return filing. This is valid and accepted, just like an affidavit.
Conclusion
For the vast majority of small businesses in South Africa (turnover under R10m), the Sworn Affidavit is the golden ticket. It is free, simple, and legally binding. Don't waste money on a certificate you don't need. However, as your business grows, be prepared to transition to the formal verification process to maintain your compliance.
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Relevant Tender Opportunities
Based on this article's topics, here are some current tenders that might interest you
Services: General
APPOINTMENT OF A PANEL OF FIVE SERVICE PROVIDERS FOR SUPPLY AND DELIVERY OF PRINTER CARTRIDGES FOR A PERIOD OF THREE YEARS AT EHLANZENI DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY Tenders are hereby invited from capable and experienced service providers for the above tender. 1. Only tenderers who have provided the following mandatory information and documents to be used to evaluate the tenderers’ responsiveness will be considered for further evaluation for functionality: 1.1 Only service providers that are registered on the Central Supplier Database will be considered for the awarding of this request for quotations and a copy of CSD report not later than three months should be attached. 1.2 Price(s) quoted must be firm, VAT and other taxes inclusive and valid for at least thirty (30) days from the date of your offer. 1.3 No tenders shall be considered from a person/s who are in the service of the state. 1.4 Service providers are required to fully complete the attached MBD forms and submit together with their written tenders. 1.5 Attach a bank account confirmation letter with bank stamp not older than three months accompanied with an affidavit confirming the business bank account details - if the banking details are not verified on the CSD report. 1.6 Attach certified copy of identity documents (ID) of company directors. 1.7 Attach certified copy of the company registration certificate issued by the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC). 1.8 Valid SARS PIN must be attached. 1.9 Attach verifiable Municipal Account/s not older than three months for both the tenderer and entity owner/s or director/s. In areas where the municipalities are not issuing municipal accounts, attach valid lease agreements or confirmation of residence or address for both the tenderer and entity owner/s or director/s issued by a relevant authority not older than three months. 1.10 Bidders are advised not to commit any fraudulent activities, including forgery of documents. All abuses of the Supply Chain Management (SCM) systems including but not limited to forgery of returnable documents, may be reported to the South African Police Service (SAPS) and restricted from doing business with any public institution or organ of the state for a period not exceeding 10 years in line with the Prevention of Fraud and Corrupt Activities Act 12 of 2004. 1.11 Joint Venture or Consortium Agreement if applicable 1.12 All completed tender documents must be duly signed and submitted on the PDF document that has been issued and all certified returnable documents should not be more than three (3) months old. 2. The tender will be evaluated on 80/20 preference point system in terms of the Preferential Procurement Policy of the Ehlanzeni District Municipality. The policy preference point system will be applied as follows: 2.1 The 80 points will be for price; and 2.2 The 20 points will be allocated for the specified goals on a proportional or pro rata basis as follows: POINTS FOR CONTRACTING AN ENTERPRISE OWNED BY HISTORICALLY DISADVANTAGED PERSONS OR INDIVIDUALS HISTORICALLY DISADVANTAGED PERSONS OR INDIVIDUALS POINTS ALLOCATION SOURCE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED TO CLAIM POINTS 100% black person or people owned enterprise 5,0 A copy of a Full CSD report not older than 3 months More than 30% woman or women shareholding or owned enterprise 2,5 more than 30% youth shareholding or owned enterprise 2,5 More than 30% people living with disability shareholding or owned enterprise 2,5 A copy of a Medical Certificate to confirm disability or stated on CSD report. POINTS FOR IMPLEMENTING OF RDP PROGRAMMES Enterprises regarded as *EMEs located within the Ehlanzeni District Municipality area of jurisdiction 2,5 ? A copy of a Full CSD report not older than 3 months NB: Points will only be awarded if the CSD physical address is the same as the address for the proof of residence required in 1.9 above. B-BBEE level 1 contribution 5,0 ? Certified Valid BBBEE certificate; or ? Certified Valid EME and SME a sworn affidavit; or ? Certified Valid CIPC issued certificate confirming annual turnover and level of Black Ownership. TOTAL PREFERENCE POINTS TO BE CLAIMED 20,0 *EME’s are Exempted Micro Enterprise with an annual turnover of R10 million or less. Received tenders will be evaluated for responsiveness based on mandatory requirements, functionality and bidders who obtain a minimum of 70 points out of a possible 100 points, Tender documents can be viewed and downloaded at no cost on the Document Sharing and Collaboration Platform or Portal (NEPTUNE): http://edmservices.ehlanzeni.gov.za and National Treasury Portal from Wednesday, 17 June 2026. Further information regarding the downloading and uploading of documents will be explained at the compulsory briefing session. A compulsory briefing session will be held on Friday, 19 June 2026, 10h00 at Ehlanzeni District Municipality, 8 van Niekerk Street, Sonheuwel Central, Mbombela, 1201 Where bids should be submitted - Completed tender and other returnable documents must be submitted only in PDF format on the Document Sharing and Collaboration Platform or Portal: http://edmservices.ehlanzeni.gov.za on or before Tuesday, 30 June 2026 not later than 12h00. Tender Documents received by telegram, fax and post will not be considered. Enquiries: Contact Person - ADMINISTRATION: Mr. S P Khumalo at 013 759 8573 [email protected] Contact Person – TECHNICAL: Mrs. S Viane at 013 759 8500 or [email protected] Employer: Acting Municipal Manager: Ms S S Madlopha Ehlanzeni District Municipality P. O. Box 3333 MBOMBELA 1200
Ehlanzeni District Municipality
Mpumalanga
30 Jun 2026
7d leftSupplies: General
APPOINTMENT OF A PANEL OF FIVE SERVICE PROVIDERS FOR SUPPLY AND DELIVERY OF OFFICE REFRESHMENTS FOR A PERIOD OF THREE YEARS AT EHLANZENI DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY Tenders are hereby invited from capable and experienced service providers for the above tender. 1. Only tenderers who have provided the following mandatory information and documents to be used to evaluate the tenderers’ responsiveness will be considered for further evaluation for functionality: 1.1 Only service providers that are registered on the Central Supplier Database will be considered for the awarding of this request for quotations and a copy of CSD report not later than three months should be attached. 1.2 Price(s) quoted must be firm, VAT and other taxes inclusive and valid for at least ninety (90) days from the date of your offer. 1.3 No tenders shall be considered from a person/s who are in the service of the state. 1.4 Service providers are required to fully complete the attached MBD forms and submit together with their written tenders. 1.5 Attach a bank account confirmation letter with bank stamp not older than three months accompanied with an affidavit confirming the business bank account details - if the banking details are not verified on the CSD report. 1.6 Attach certified copy of identity documents (ID) of company directors. 1.7 Attach certified copy of the company registration certificate issued by the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC). 1.8 Valid SARS PIN must be attached. 1.9 Attach verifiable Municipal Account/s not older than three months for both the tenderer and entity owner/s or director/s. In areas where the municipalities are not issuing municipal accounts, attach valid lease agreements or confirmation of residence or address for both the tenderer and entity owner/s or director/s issued by a relevant authority not older than three months. 1.10 Bidders are advised not to commit any fraudulent activities, including forgery of documents. All abuses of the Supply Chain Management (SCM) systems including but not limited to forgery of returnable documents, may be reported to the South African Police Service (SAPS) and restricted from doing business with any public institution or organ of the state for a period not exceeding 10 years in line with the Prevention of Fraud and Corrupt Activities Act 12 of 2004. 1.11 Joint Venture or Consortium Agreement if applicable. 1.12 All completed tender documents must be duly signed and submitted on the PDF document that has been issued and all certified returnable documents should not be more than three (3) months old. 2. The tender will be evaluated on 80/20 preference point system in terms of the Preferential Procurement Policy of the Ehlanzeni District Municipality. The policy preference point system will be applied as follows: 2.1 The 80 points will be for price; and 2.2 The 20 points will be allocated for the specified goals on a proportional or pro rata basis as follows: POINTS FOR CONTRACTING AN ENTERPRISE OWNED BY HISTORICALLY DISADVANTAGED PERSONS OR INDIVIDUALS HISTORICALLY DISADVANTAGED PERSONS OR INDIVIDUALS POINTS ALLOCATION SOURCE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED TO CLAIM POINTS 100% black person or people owned enterprise 5,0 A copy of a Full CSD report not older than 3 months More than 30% woman or women shareholding or owned enterprise 2,5 more than 30% youth shareholding or owned enterprise 2,5 More than 30% people living with disability shareholding or owned enterprise 2,5 A copy of a Medical Certificate to confirm disability or stated on CSD report. POINTS FOR IMPLEMENTING OF RDP PROGRAMMES Enterprises regarded as *EMEs located within the Ehlanzeni District Municipality area of jurisdiction 2,5 ? A copy of a Full CSD report not older than 3 months NB: Points will only be awarded if the CSD physical address is the same as the address for the proof of residence required in 1.9 above. B-BBEE level 1 contribution 5,0 ? Certified Valid BBBEE certificate; or ? Certified Valid EME and SME a sworn affidavit; or ? Certified Valid CIPC issued certificate confirming annual turnover and level of Black Ownership. TOTAL PREFERENCE POINTS TO BE CLAIMED 20,0 *EME’s are Exempted Micro Enterprise with an annual turnover of R10 million or less. Received tenders will be evaluated for responsiveness based on mandatory requirements, functionality and bidders who obtain a minimum of 70 points out of a possible 100 points, Tender documents can be viewed and downloaded at no cost on the Document Sharing and Collaboration Platform or Portal (NEPTUNE): http://edmservices.ehlanzeni.gov.za and National Treasury Portal from Wednesday, 17 June 2026. Further information regarding the downloading and uploading of documents will be explained at the compulsory briefing session. A compulsory briefing session will be held on Friday, 19 June 2026, 12H00 at Ehlanzeni District Municipality, 8 van Niekerk Street, Sonheuwel Central, DMC, Mbombela, 1201 Where bids should be submitted - Completed tender and other returnable documents must be submitted only in PDF format on the Document Sharing and Collaboration Platform or Portal: http://edmservices.ehlanzeni.gov.za on or before Tuesday, 30 June 2026 not later than 12h00. Tender Documents received by telegram, fax and post will not be considered. Enquiries: Contact Person - ADMINISTRATION: Mr. S P Khumalo at 013 759 8573 [email protected] Contact Person – TECHNICAL: Mrs. S Viane at 013 759 8500 or [email protected] Employer: Acting Municipal Manager: Ms S S Madlopha Ehlanzeni District Municipality P. O. Box 3333 MBOMBELA 1200
Ehlanzeni District Municipality
Mpumalanga
30 Jun 2026
7d leftSupplies: General
APPOINTMENT OF A PANEL OF FIVE SERVICE PROVIDERS FOR SUPPLY AND DELIVERY OF OFFICE STATIONERY FOR A PERIOD OF THREE YEARS AT EHLANZENI DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY Tenders are hereby invited from capable and experienced service providers for the above tender. 1. Only tenderers who have provided the following mandatory information and documents to be used to evaluate the tenderers’ responsiveness will be considered for further evaluation for functionality: 1.1 Only service providers that are registered on the Central Supplier Database will be considered for the awarding of this request for quotations and a copy of CSD report not later than three months should be attached. 1.2 Price(s) quoted must be firm, VAT and other taxes inclusive and valid for at least ninety (90) days from the date of your offer. 1.3 No tenders shall be considered from a person/s who are in the service of the state. 1.4 Service providers are required to fully complete the attached MBD forms and submit together with their written tenders. 1.5 Attach a bank account confirmation letter with bank stamp not older than three months accompanied with an affidavit confirming the business bank account details - if the banking details are not verified on the CSD report. 1.6 Attach certified copy of identity documents (ID) of company directors. 1.7 Attach certified copy of the company registration certificate issued by the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC). 1.8 Valid SARS PIN must be attached. 1.9 Attach verifiable Municipal Account/s not older than three months for both the tenderer and entity owner/s or director/s. In areas where the municipalities are not issuing municipal accounts, attach valid lease agreements or confirmation of residence or address for both the tenderer and entity owner/s or director/s issued by a relevant authority not older than three months. 1.10 Bidders are advised not to commit any fraudulent activities, including forgery of documents. All abuses of the Supply Chain Management (SCM) systems including but not limited to forgery of returnable documents, may be reported to the South African Police Service (SAPS) and restricted from doing business with any public institution or organ of the state for a period not exceeding 10 years in line with the Prevention of Fraud and Corrupt Activities Act 12 of 2004. 1.11 Joint Venture or Consortium Agreement if applicable 1.12 All completed tender documents must be duly signed and submitted on the PDF document that has been issued and all certified returnable documents should not be more than three (3) months old. 2. The tender will be evaluated on 80/20 preference point system in terms of the Preferential Procurement Policy of the Ehlanzeni District Municipality. The policy preference point system will be applied as follows: 2.1 The 80 points will be for price; and 2.2 The 20 points will be allocated for the specified goals on a proportional or pro rata basis as follows: POINTS FOR CONTRACTING AN ENTERPRISE OWNED BY HISTORICALLY DISADVANTAGED PERSONS OR INDIVIDUALS HISTORICALLY DISADVANTAGED PERSONS OR INDIVIDUALS POINTS ALLOCATION SOURCE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED TO CLAIM POINTS 100% black person or people owned enterprise 5,0 A copy of a Full CSD report not older than 3 months More than 30% woman or women shareholding or owned enterprise 2,5 more than 30% youth shareholding or owned enterprise 2,5 More than 30% people living with disability shareholding or owned enterprise 2,5 A copy of a Medical Certificate to confirm disability or stated on CSD report. POINTS FOR IMPLEMENTING OF RDP PROGRAMMES Enterprises regarded as *EMEs located within the Ehlanzeni District Municipality area of jurisdiction 2,5 ? A copy of a Full CSD report not older than 3 months NB: Points will only be awarded if the CSD physical address is the same as the address for the proof of residence required in 1.9 above. B-BBEE level 1 contribution 5,0 ? Certified Valid BBBEE certificate; or ? Certified Valid EME and SME a sworn affidavit; or ? Certified Valid CIPC issued certificate confirming annual turnover and level of Black Ownership. TOTAL PREFERENCE POINTS TO BE CLAIMED 20,0 *EME’s are Exempted Micro Enterprise with an annual turnover of R10 million or less. Received tenders will be evaluated for responsiveness based on mandatory requirements, functionality and bidders who obtain a minimum of 70 points out of a possible 100 points, Tender documents can be viewed and downloaded at no cost on the Document Sharing and Collaboration Platform or Portal (NEPTUNE): http://edmservices.ehlanzeni.gov.za and National Treasury Portal from Wednesday, 17 June 2026. Further information regarding the downloading and uploading of documents will be explained at the compulsory briefing session. A compulsory briefing session will be held on Friday, 19 June 2026, 11H00 at Ehlanzeni District Municipality, 8 van Niekerk Street, Sonheuwel Central, DMC, Mbombela, 1201 Where bids should be submitted - Completed tender and other returnable documents must be submitted only in PDF format on the Document Sharing and Collaboration Platform or Portal: http://edmservices.ehlanzeni.gov.za on or before Tuesday, 30 June 2026 not later than 12h00. Tender Documents received by telegram, fax and post will not be considered. Enquiries: Contact Person - ADMINISTRATION: Mr. S P Khumalo at 013 759 8573 [email protected] Contact Person – TECHNICAL: Mrs. S Viane at 013 759 8500 or [email protected] Employer: Acting Municipal Manager: Ms S S Madlopha Ehlanzeni District Municipality P. O. Box 3333 MBOMBELA 1200
Ehlanzeni District Municipality
Mpumalanga
30 Jun 2026
7d leftWant to see all available tenders?
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BBBEE Affidavit vs. Certificate: Which One Do You Need?
Confused about whether you need a Sworn Affidavit or a SANAS-accredited BBBEE Certificate? This guide explains the differences, requirements, and when to use each.
https://www.tenders-sa.org/blog/bbbee-affidavit-vs-certificate