B-BBEE Scorecard Optimizer
Estimate your business's automatic B-BBEE contributor level and procurement recognition percentage from entity type and ownership profile.
Entity Classification
Select your business category based on latest annual turnover.
Ownership Structure
Define the percentage of black shareholding in the entity.
Note: 51% or higher black ownership triggers automatic Level 2 status for both EMEs and QSEs; 100% triggers Level 1. Below 51%, an EME is still an automatic Level 4, but a QSE must be measured on the full QSE scorecard. 30%+ black women ownership adds designated-group procurement advantages.
Documentation Requirements
Score Assessment
A QSE below 51% black ownership can't use the automatic-level affidavit. Your level depends on a full QSE scorecard assessment (ownership, management, skills development, ESD and socio-economic development).
30%+ Black Women-Owned
Designated-group advantage: stronger preferential procurement recognition with corporate and public-sector buyers, plus eligibility for women-focused funding such as the Isivande Women's Fund.
Recognition Levels
How B-BBEE points translate into procurement recognition status.
| Status Level | Points Req | Recognition |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 100+ | 135% |
| Level 2 | 95 - 100 | 125% |
| Level 3 | 90 - 95 | 110% |
| Level 4 | 80 - 90 | 100% |
| Level 5 | 75 - 80 | 80% |
Support & FAQ
Common questions regarding B-BBEE compliance for SA businesses.
1. What is an EME?
An Exempted Micro Enterprise (EME) is any enterprise with an annual total revenue of R10 million or less. EMEs are automatically deemed Level 4 contributors.
2. What is a QSE?
A Qualifying Small Enterprise (QSE) has an annual turnover between R10 million and R50 million. If 51% Black-owned, they qualify for automatic Level 2 status via affidavit.
3. Do I need a verification agency?
If you are an EME or a 51%+ Black-owned QSE, you do NOT need a verification agency. You only need a Sworn Affidavit signed by a Commissioner of Oaths. Only Generic entities (>R50m turnover) require agency verification.
4. What is the difference between an Affidavit and a Certificate?
A B-BBEE Certificate is issued by an accredited verification agency for larger companies. A Sworn Affidavit is a self-declaration used by EMEs and black-owned QSEs, which is legally binding and free to produce.
5. What is 'Fronting'?
Fronting is a criminal offense where a company pretends to be more compliant than it is (e.g., appointing black directors who have no real power). It carries heavy fines and up to 10 years imprisonment.
6. How does the YES (Youth Employment Service) initiative work?
The YES program allows companies to jump 1 or 2 B-BBEE levels by creating 12-month quality work experiences for unemployed black youth. It acts as a "level booster" on top of your existing score.
7. What counts as 'Black Ownership'?
Black ownership refers to voting rights and economic interest held by African, Coloured, and Indian South African citizens. This includes individuals born in SA or naturalized before 1994.
8. Do I need to comply if my turnover is R0?
Yes. Startups with R0 turnover are classified as EMEs and are automatically Level 4 contributors. This status can help you win your first contracts.
9. What are Priority Elements?
For QSEs and Generics, three elements are critical: Ownership (40% sub-minimum), Skills Development (40% sub-minimum), and Enterprise & Supplier Development (40% sub-minimum). Failing these drops your level by one.
10. Can a White-owned business get a Level 1 status?
It is extremely difficult but mathematically possible for a 100% white-owned Generic entity to reach Level 1 by maximizing points in all other elements (Skills, Management, Supplier Dev, Socio-Economic Dev), but they lose all Ownership points.