How to Apply for a BEE Certificate
A BEE (Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment) certificate demonstrates your business's commitment to transformation and can provide access to government contracts and corporate procurement opportunities. Understanding the BEE application process, requirements, and verification helps you obtain BEE certification. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about applying for a BEE certificate in South Africa.
What Is BEE?
Understanding BEE
BEE (Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment):
- Government policy promoting economic transformation
- Measures business transformation
- Provides BEE score/level
- Required for government contracts
- Preferred by corporate clients
BEE Benefits:
- Access to government tenders
- Corporate procurement opportunities
- Business credibility
- Competitive advantage
- Transformation recognition
BEE Scorecard
BEE Elements
BEE Scorecard Measures:
- Ownership (25 points): Black ownership percentage
- Management Control (15 points): Black management representation
- Skills Development (20 points): Training and development
- Enterprise and Supplier Development (40 points): Supporting black businesses
- Socio-Economic Development (5 points): Community investment
BEE Levels:
- Level 1: 100+ points (135% procurement recognition)
- Level 2: 95-99 points (125% recognition)
- Level 3: 90-94 points (110% recognition)
- Level 4: 80-89 points (100% recognition)
- Level 5: 75-79 points (80% recognition)
- Level 6: 70-74 points (60% recognition)
- Level 7: 55-69 points (50% recognition)
- Level 8: 40-54 points (10% recognition)
- Non-Compliant: Below 40 points (0% recognition)
Application Process
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Determine BEE Status
- Check if exempt (micro-enterprises)
- Determine applicable BEE code
- Understand requirements
- Assess current status
Step 2: Gather Documentation
- Company registration documents
- Ownership structure
- Management information
- Employment equity data
- Skills development records
- Supplier development records
- Socio-economic development records
Step 3: Choose Verification Agency
- Select SANAS-accredited agency
- Compare agencies and fees
- Check accreditation status
- Choose suitable agency
Step 4: Complete BEE Application
- Provide company information
- Submit ownership details
- Provide management information
- Submit employment data
- Provide skills development records
- Submit supplier development records
- Provide socio-economic development records
Step 5: BEE Verification
- Agency verifies information
- Conducts site visit (if required)
- Reviews documentation
- Calculates BEE score
- Issues BEE certificate
Step 6: Receive BEE Certificate
- BEE certificate issued
- Valid for 12 months
- Shows BEE level and score
- Keep certificate safe
Required Documents
Documentation Needed
Company Documents:
- Company registration certificate
- MOI (Memorandum of Incorporation)
- Share register
- Director information
Ownership Documents:
- Shareholder information
- Ownership percentages
- Black ownership proof
- Share certificates
Management Documents:
- Management structure
- Board composition
- Black management representation
- Management control evidence
Employment Documents:
- Employment equity plan
- Workforce composition
- Skills development records
- Training records
Supplier Development:
- Supplier development records
- Black supplier contracts
- Enterprise development records
- Supplier spend analysis
Socio-Economic Development:
- Community investment records
- SED project documentation
- Contribution records
BEE Verification Fees
Current Fees (2026)
Verification Fees:
- Micro-Enterprises (turnover < R10m): R3,000-R8,000
- Qualifying Small Enterprises (R10m-R50m): R8,000-R15,000
- Generic Enterprises (R50m+): R15,000-R50,000+
Fee Factors:
- Company size
- Complexity
- Verification agency
- Additional services
BEE Exemptions
Exempt Entities
Exempt from BEE:
- Micro-enterprises (turnover < R10 million)
- 100% black-owned EMEs (Exempt Micro-Enterprises)
- Start-ups (first year)
- Certain sectors
Automatic Level:
- 100% black-owned EMEs: Level 1
- 51%+ black-owned EMEs: Level 2
- Other EMEs: Level 4
Tips for BEE Certification
Best Practices
- Prepare Documentation: Gather all required documents
- Choose Accredited Agency: Select SANAS-accredited verifier
- Understand Scorecard: Know BEE elements and scoring
- Improve Score: Work on improving BEE elements
- Renew Annually: BEE certificate valid for 12 months
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for a BEE certificate?
Determine BEE status, gather required documentation, choose SANAS-accredited verification agency, complete BEE application, undergo verification, and receive BEE certificate valid for 12 months.
How much does BEE verification cost?
BEE verification fees range from R3,000-R8,000 for micro-enterprises, R8,000-R15,000 for qualifying small enterprises, and R15,000-R50,000+ for generic enterprises, depending on company size and complexity.
How long is a BEE certificate valid?
BEE certificate is valid for 12 months from issue date. You must renew annually to maintain BEE status.
Do I need BEE certification?
BEE certification is required for government tenders and preferred by many corporate clients. While not mandatory for all businesses, it provides competitive advantages and access to opportunities.
Can micro-enterprises be exempt?
Yes, micro-enterprises with turnover below R10 million may be exempt from full BEE verification. 100% black-owned EMEs automatically qualify for Level 1, and 51%+ black-owned EMEs qualify for Level 2.
Conclusion
Applying for a BEE certificate requires determining BEE status, gathering documentation, choosing SANAS-accredited verification agency, completing application, undergoing verification, and receiving certificate valid for 12 months. BEE verification costs R3,000-R50,000+ depending on company size. BEE certification provides access to government contracts and corporate opportunities. Understanding the BEE process helps you obtain certification and demonstrate your business's commitment to transformation in South Africa.
