BEE Affidavit Guide: EME vs QSE, Levels, Validity and the Mistakes That Kill Tenders

Why this matters

The affidavit system exists to keep compliance affordable for small businesses – but only when the template, figures and commissioning are exactly right. Procurement officers reject affidavits daily for technical errors that cost their owners the tender.

Admin Boss is based in Pretoria, Gauteng and helps clients across all nine provinces remotely – by phone, WhatsApp and email, with no office visits needed.

The practical steps

1. Classify correctly: EME or QSE by turnover; affidavit-eligibility by black ownership.
2. Use the current template: Outdated templates are rejected.
3. State figures truthfully: Turnover and ownership are legal declarations.
4. Commission properly: Signed before a Commissioner of Oaths.
5. Renew annually: Twelve-month validity, no exceptions.

Frequently asked questions

What level is my EME?

Level 4 by default; Level 2 at 51% black ownership; Level 1 at 100%.

Who can commission my affidavit?

Commissioners of Oaths – SAPS, attorneys, bank officials and others.

Can I use last year affidavit?

No – affidavits expire after 12 months.

When must I get verified instead?

Generic enterprises and QSEs that are not majority black-owned need SANAS-accredited verification.

Official resources

• the dtic
• CIPC

Related services and guides

• BEE affidavit service
• Tax clearance for tenders
• CSD registration
• Company registration

Get it done remotely: WhatsApp or call 074 918 7130, or email . Admin Boss, Pretoria – serving every province in South Africa.

Last reviewed: 1 November 2026. This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who needs help with BEE compliance?

Any South African business owner, director, trustee or employer who must deal with BEE compliance. The guide above explains who it applies to and what is required.

Can Admin Boss assist with BEE compliance remotely?

Yes. Admin Boss works with clients across South Africa by email and online channels, so BEE compliance can be handled without visiting an office.

Where do I verify the official requirements for BEE compliance?

Always confirm current requirements on the official portals: gov.za, sars.gov.za and cipc.co.za. This page is reviewed against those sources.

Key Terms Explained

• Compliance: Staying up to date with every statutory filing, payment and record a business owes to CIPC, SARS and other regulators.
• CIPC: The Companies and Intellectual Property Commission, the government body that registers and regulates companies and close corporations in South Africa.
• SARS: The South African Revenue Service, responsible for collecting taxes and administering the tax Acts.
• Annual return: A yearly CIPC filing that confirms a company is still active; missing it leads to deregistration.
• Beneficial ownership: The record of the natural persons who ultimately own or control a company or trust, filed with CIPC or the Master of the High Court.