The Role of a Rating Agency in Issuing a B-BBEE Certificate
At Verification Partners, our role in the B-BBEE verification process is similar to that of an auditor in a financial audit — but with a focus on verifying your B-BBEE performance and contributions. We conduct an objective evaluation of the information and evidence your business provides to confirm whether your B-BBEE claims are accurate and supported by appropriate documentation.
What a Rating Agency Does
A rating agency such as Verification Partners is responsible for:
Assessing the data submitted against the requirements of the B-BBEE Codes of Good Practice.
Validating that the contributions and results claimed across scorecard elements — such as ownership, management control, skills development, enterprise and supplier development and socio-economic development — are correct.
Ensuring independence and impartiality in all evaluations so that the outcome is credible and defensible for stakeholders, regulators and business partners.
Who Can Issue a B-BBEE Certificate
Under South African law, a valid B-BBEE certificate must be issued by a rating agency accredited by the South African National Accreditation System (SANAS). Verification Partners holds SANAS accreditation (accreditation number BVA133), which authorises us to issue a complete assurance certificate based on rigorous verification procedures that meet national standards. This certificate represents formal confirmation of your organisation’s B-BBEE status and level for use in procurement, tendering and compliance reporting.
Why Verification Matters
Independent verification reinforces trust in your B-BBEE claims. A SANAS-accredited certificate issued by Verification Partners:
Confirms that your B-BBEE claims have been objectively evaluated.
Provides assurance to clients, government bodies and commercial partners that your status is valid.
Helps protect against disputes or challenges related to your B-BBEE credentials.
Verification is a critical element of the B-BBEE framework, as it ensures consistency, transparency and compliance across the economy. By engaging a qualified and accredited verification partner, you strengthen the credibility of your empowerment credentials and support long-term commercial confidence.