Question 1

What is Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment?

Accepted Answer

Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) is South Africa's framework for measuring and advancing Black economic participation. Your score affects tender eligibility and how corporate buyers assess you as a supplier.

Question 2

How do I get a BEE certificate for my company?

Accepted Answer

Which route applies depends on your turnover, ownership and sector code. Larger businesses are verified by an accredited verification agency, and some smaller businesses may be able to use a sworn affidavit. We confirm your route and prepare your evidence.

Question 3

What is the difference between a B-BBEE certificate and an affidavit?

Accepted Answer

A certificate is issued by an accredited verification agency after it verifies your scorecard. An affidavit is a sworn declaration that some smaller businesses can use. Which one you can use depends on turnover, ownership and sector code.

Question 4

Who issues a BEE certificate?

Accepted Answer

An accredited verification agency issues it. Okiru prepares you for that process but does not issue the certificate.

Question 5

How long is a BEE certificate valid?

Accepted Answer

Generally for 12 months from the date of issue. Check the validity dates on your certificate and plan your next verification in good time.

Question 6

How can I improve my B-BBEE level?

Accepted Answer

Start by finding where you are losing points. Ownership and skills development are often the fastest levers, followed by procurement and enterprise and supplier development. Missing a sub-minimum target can also lower your level, so we check those first.

Question 7

Why did my B-BBEE level drop?

Accepted Answer

A level can drop when a sub-minimum is missed, when qualifying spend falls, or when evidence does not hold up at verification. We review the cause and set out the fix.

Question 8

Am I an EME, QSE or generic enterprise?

Accepted Answer

Under the Generic Codes, an EME has annual turnover of R10 million or less, a QSE between R10 million and R50 million, and a generic enterprise above R50 million. Sector codes can set different thresholds, so we confirm which applies to you.

Question 9

What B-BBEE level do I need to win tenders?

Accepted Answer

Government tenders award preference points by level under the 80/20 and 90/10 systems, so a better level earns more points. Requirements vary by buyer and tender. We can confirm what your target tenders ask for.

Question 10

Are the 2026 B-BBEE changes in force?

Accepted Answer

The dtic published draft amendments on 29 January 2026, covering a proposed Transformation Fund and procurement changes, and we treat them as draft until final amendments are gazetted. They apply to the Generic Codes, not to sector codes unless those are amended separately.

Question 11

What is a B-BBEE consultant, and how is it different from a verification agency?

Accepted Answer

A consultant advises on strategy, structures your initiatives and prepares your evidence. A verification agency independently verifies your scorecard and issues the certificate. Okiru is a consultant and does not issue certificates.

Question 12

What documents are needed for a B-BBEE verification audit?

Accepted Answer

Typically ownership records, payroll and employment equity data, skills development evidence, supplier and spend data, and proof of enterprise and supplier development and socio-economic development contributions. We tell you exactly what applies to you.

Question 13

Do you work with businesses in Johannesburg and Gauteng?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We are based in Johannesburg and work with businesses across South Africa.

Question 14

Does digital transformation help improve a B-BBEE score?

Accepted Answer

It can help indirectly. Capturing evidence as it happens makes your scorecard easier to track and your verification easier to pass.

B-BBEE consulting. Know your scorecard. Prepare for verification.

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