B-BEE Deep-Dive: Element by Element

At a glance

Ownership measures the effective black ownership of your company (voting rights, economic interest, and “net value” over time). Points are available for overall black ownership as well as black women, designated groups, and employee/community ownership (ESOPs/trusts).

How you’re scored (in practice)

• Voting rights and economic interest held by black people (incl. black women & designated groups).
• Net value to ensure the deal isn’t “paper only” and that value flows over time.
• Bonus for broad-based schemes (ESOPs/community trusts) when real participation and dividends exist.

Common pitfalls

• “Tick-box” structures with no dividend flow or unclear funding.
• ESOPs without real governance or beneficiary communication.
• Misstated black women or designated group percentages.
• Deals that fail net-value tests at verification.

At a glance

Measures black representation at Board, executive, senior, middle, junior management, plus persons with disabilities. Many sector codes use EAP (Economically Active Population) to benchmark representation.

How you’re scored (in practice)

• Headcount and roles mapped to the correct occupational levels.
• Points for black people (and black women) in decision-making roles.
• Additional recognition for people with disabilities (with valid proof).

Common pitfalls

• Incorrect level mapping (e.g., calling supervisors “management”).
• Counting acting/temporary roles without proper appointment.
• EAP not applied (or applied to the wrong region/sector).
• Disability status not correctly documented.

At a glance

Rewards accredited training spend and workplace programmes (learnerships, internships, apprenticeships), with emphasis on priority groups (e.g., black women, youth, persons with disabilities). Absorption of learners increases impact.

How you’re scored (in practice)

• Spend on accredited training against your leviable amount.
• Headcount on quality programmes (learnerships etc.).
• Additional recognition for people with disabilities and absorption.

Common pitfalls

• Non-accredited training doesn’t count.
• Poor records (no registers/SoRs).
• Late or missing WSP/ATR submissions.
• Disability funding counted without proper proof.

A) Preferential Procurement

Your annual verified spend mix by supplier category (Levels 1–8, ≥51% Black-Owned, ≥30% Black Women-Owned, Designated Group suppliers, EMEs/QSEs, etc.). Spend must be supported by valid certificates/affidavits for the measurement period.

Quick Wins

• Quarterly supplier clean-ups and reminder cadence.
• Onboard Level 1–4 and ≥51% BO/BWO suppliers for key categories.
• Use our Recognition Calculator to target high-impact shifts.

B) Supplier Development (SD) & Enterprise Development (ED)

Qualifying contributions (cash, loans, guarantees, tooling, incubation, mentoring, market access) to qualifying beneficiaries (typically black-owned EMEs/QSEs for SD; broader black beneficiaries for ED). Evidence of actual benefit and sustainability (outputs/outcomes).

Quick Wins

• Convert ad-hoc donations into structured SD/ED programmes with milestones.
• Support supplier candidates you already buy from (SD) to grow your recognition and reliability.
• Blend non-financial support (mentoring, market access) with targeted funding.

At a glance

Rewards contributions that create sustainable access to the economy for qualifying beneficiaries (typically where at least 75% of benefits accrue to black people).

How you’re scored (in practice)

Cash, in-kind, or services with documented value and beneficiary letters confirming impact and demographics. Points awarded up to the SED target (sector-specific rules may apply).

Quick Wins

• Partner with vetted NPOs that can evidence 75%+ black benefit.
• Align SED to your skills/ESD pipeline (bursaries feeding internships, for example).
• Pre-approve letter templates and evidence lists with beneficiaries.