1. Introduction and Acceptance

Welcome to Manong Consulting (Pty) Ltd (“Manong Consulting,” “we,” “us,” or “our”). These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern your access to and use of our website (manongconsulting.co.za) and our B-BBEE verification services.

By using our website or engaging our verification services, you agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please do not use our website or services.

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting. Your continued use constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

2. Definitions

“Client” means any individual or entity that engages Manong Consulting for verification services.

“Services” means B-BBEE verification services, including EME, QSE, and Generic certificate issuance.

“Website” means [insert website URL] and all associated pages and functionality.

“Certificate” means the official B-BBEE certificate issued upon successful verification.

“Verification” means the assessment process to determine B-BBEE compliance and level.

3. Services Offered

Manong Consulting is an accredited B-BBEE verification agency providing:

  • EME Certificate verification (businesses under R10 million turnover)
  • QSE Certificate verification (businesses R10-50 million turnover)
  • Generic Certificate verification (businesses over R50 million turnover)

All services are subject to separate application agreements that detail specific scope, requirements, timelines, and fees.

4. Accreditation and Authority

Manong Consulting is accredited by SANAS (South African National Accreditation System) to conduct B-BBEE verifications in accordance with:

  • The Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act, 2003
  • B-BBEE Codes of Good Practice (as amended)
  • SANAS accreditation requirements
  • All applicable South African laws and regulations

5. Verification Application and Engagement

5.1 Application Process

  • Clients submit verification applications through our website, email, or in person
  • Applications must include all required documentation
  • Incomplete applications will be returned for completion

5.2 Formation of Agreement A binding agreement is formed when:

  • We accept your application in writing, OR
  • You make a payment following our quote, OR
  • We commence verification work with your knowledge

5.3 Client Responsibilities Clients agree to:

  • Provide accurate, complete, and truthful information
  • Submit all required documentation within agreed timeframes
  • Grant access to records and systems as needed for verification
  • Designate an authorised representative
  • Respond promptly to requests for clarification or additional information
  • Pay fees according to the agreed terms
  • Notify us immediately of any material changes

5.4 Information Accuracy Clients warrant that:

  • All information provided is true and accurate
  • All documents are authentic and unaltered
  • They have the authority to submit information on behalf of the company
  • They understand that false information may result in certificate withdrawal

6. Verification Process

6.1 Process Overview

  • Document submission and review
  • Information verification and validation
  • Scorecard assessment (for QSE and Generic)
  • Report preparation
  • Certificate issuance

6.2 Advice Limitations Our services and advice:

  • EME Certificate: 5-7 working days
  • QSE Certificate: 7-10 working days
  • Generic Certificate: 10-15 working days

Timelines begin once all required documentation is received and verified as complete.

6.3 Delays We are not responsible for delays caused by:

6.4 Regulatory Changes B-BBEE regulations and codes may change. We are not responsible for changes occurring after advice is given, though we will make reasonable efforts to notify ongoing clients of material changes.

7. Fees and Payment

7.1 Fee Structure Fees are quoted based on:

  • Certificate type (EME, QSE, or Generic)
  • Company size and turnover
  • Complexity of verification
  • Urgency requirements

7.2 Payment Terms

  • Fees must be paid before certificate issuance
  • Payment is due within 7 days of the invoice unless otherwise agreed
  • We accept EFT, credit card, or other agreed payment methods
  • Late payments may incur interest at the maximum legal rate

7.3 Non-Payment We reserve the right to:

  • Suspend verification work for non-payment
  • Withhold certificates until payment is received
  • Charge collection costs for overdue accounts

7.4 Refunds

  • If we cannot complete verification due to our error: Full refund
  • If client withdraws before work commences: Full refund less R500 administration fee
  • If client withdraws after work commences: No refund (fees cover work completed)
  • If verification reveals non-compliance: No refund (verification service was provided)

7.5 Additional Costs Fees cover standard verification services. Additional costs may apply for:

  • Rush processing (if available)
  • Re-verification due to client error or changes
  • Courier/delivery beyond standard options
  • Additional report copies

8. Certificate Issuance

8.1 Certificate Validity All B-BBEE certificates are valid for 12 months from the date of issue (as per B-BBEE Codes).

  • With your written consent
  • To verification agencies as necessary for certification
  • To our professional advisors under confidentiality obligations
  • As required by law or court order

8.2 What You Receive

  • Official B-BBEE certificate (digital PDF and hard copy)
  • Verification report (for QSE and Generic)
  • Scorecard summary (for QSE and Generic)

8.3 Certificate Format Certificates include:

  • Company name and registration details
  • Certificate type (EME/QSE/Generic)
  • B-BBEE level (for QSE and Generic) or recognition percentage (for EME)
  • Issue date and expiry date
  • Our SANAS accreditation details
  • Unique certificate number

8.4 Certificate Corrections If there is an error in the certificate due to our mistake:

  • We will issue a corrected certificate at no charge
  • Corrections must be requested within 30 days of issue

If corrections are needed due to client error or information changes:

  • Re-verification may be required
  • Additional fees may apply

9. Certificate Withdrawal and Suspension

9.1 Grounds for Withdrawal We may withdraw a certificate if:

  • Information provided was false or misleading
  • Material changes occurred that affect the verification
  • Client breached terms of engagement
  • SANAS or regulatory authorities require withdrawal
  • Certificate was issued in error

9.2 Notification We will notify you in writing if a certificate is withdrawn, with reasons provided.

9.3 Return of Certificate If a certificate is withdrawn, you must:

  • Cease using the certificate immediately
  • Return all physical copies to us
  • Remove digital copies from all locations
  • Inform parties to whom the certificate was provided

9.4 No Refund Certificate withdrawal does not entitle you to a refund of verification fees.

10. Limitations and Disclaimers

10.1 Verification Scope Our verification:

  • Assesses information you provide at a specific point in time
  • Relies on the accuracy of documents and data submitted
  • Applies the B-BBEE Codes as we interpret them
  • Does not constitute a guarantee of tender success or business outcomes

10.2 No Legal or Business Advice We provide verification services only. We do not provide:

  • Legal advice on B-BBEE compliance
  • Business consulting or strategy advice
  • Tax or financial advice
  • Guarantees about tender outcomes

10.3 Changes in Circumstances Certificates reflect your B-BBEE status at the time of verification. If your circumstances change materially during the certificate validity period:

  • You must inform us immediately
  • Re-verification may be required
  • Your certificate may need to be updated or withdrawn

10.4 Regulatory Changes B-BBEE Codes and regulations may change. We are not responsible for changes that occur after your certificate is issued, though we make reasonable efforts to inform clients of material changes.

11. Liability and Indemnification

11.1 Limitation of Liability To the maximum extent permitted by law:

  • Our total liability is limited to the fees paid for the specific verification
  • We are not liable for indirect, consequential, or incidental damages
  • We are not liable for losses arising from inaccurate information you provide
  • We are not liable for third-party decisions based on your certificate
  • We are not liable for tender outcomes or business opportunities

11.2 Indemnification You agree to indemnify us from claims arising from:

  • Your use of our services or certificate
  • Your breach of these Terms
  • Inaccurate or false information you provide
  • Your misrepresentation of your B-BBEE status

11.3 Professional Insurance We maintain professional indemnity insurance appropriate to our verification services.

12. Confidentiality

12.1 Our Obligations We treat all client information as confidential, except:

  • Information required for verification purposes
  • Disclosures to SANAS or regulatory authorities
  • Disclosures required by law
  • Information in the public domain

12.2 Your Obligations You agree to keep confidential any proprietary methodologies or processes we share during verification.

12.3 Verification Records We maintain verification records as required by SANAS and applicable laws (minimum 5 years).

13. Intellectual Property

13.1 Our Property All website content, methodologies, tools, and processes are our property and protected by intellectual property laws.

  • Display your certificate to demonstrate B-BBEE status
  • Provide copies to clients, government, and tender authorities
  • Reference your B-BBEE level in marketing materials

You may not:

  • Alter or modify the certificate in any way
  • Use the certificate beyond its validity period
  • Misrepresent your B-BBEE status
  • Use our name or accreditation without permission

14. Website Use

14.1 Permitted Use You may use our website for:

  • Learning about verification services
  • Applying for certificates
  • Accessing your verification documents
  • Contacting us

14.2 Prohibited Activities You may not:

  • Use automated systems to access the website
  • Attempt unauthorised access
  • Transmit viruses or malicious code
  • Engage in unlawful activities
  • Impersonate others or provide false information
  • Interfere with website operations

15. Termination

15.1 Termination by Client You may withdraw your application at any time before certificate issuance. Refund policy applies as stated in Section 7.4.

15.2 Termination by Us We may terminate an engagement if:

  • You breach these Terms
  • You fail to pay fees
  • You provide false information
  • Circumstances make verification impossible or illegal
  • SANAS or regulatory requirements necessitate termination

15.3 Effect of Termination Upon termination:

  • You must pay all fees for services provided
  • We will provide the work completed to the termination date
  • Confidentiality obligations continue
  • We will return original documents (if any)

16. Data Protection and Privacy

Your personal information is handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy and POPIA. By engaging our services, you consent to data processing as described in our Privacy Policy.

Your personal information is handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy and POPIA. By engaging our services, you consent to data processing as described in our Privacy Policy.

16. Data Protection and Privacy

17.1 Governing Law These Terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa.

17.2 Negotiation Disputes must first be addressed through good-faith negotiation between authorised representatives.

17.3 Mediation If negotiation fails, parties agree to attempt mediation before legal action.

17.4 Jurisdiction If legal action becomes necessary, parties submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of South African courts.

18. General Provisions

18.1 Entire Agreement These Terms, your application agreement, and our Privacy Policy constitute the entire agreement.

18.2 Amendments We may update these Terms at any time. Material changes will be communicated via email or website notice.

18.3 Severability If any provision is found unenforceable, remaining provisions remain in effect.

18.4 Waiver Our failure to enforce any right does not constitute a waiver.

18.5 Assignment You may not assign your rights without our consent. We may assign to affiliated entities or in business transfers.

18.6 Force Majeure Neither party is liable for delays due to circumstances beyond reasonable control.

18.7 Notices All notices must be in writing to the contact details provided.

18.8 Independent Contractor We are independent contractors. Nothing creates a partnership or employment relationship.

16. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms, please contact us:

Manong Consulting (Pty) Ltd

Email: info@manongconsulting.co.za

Phone: +27 11 764 2950

Physical Address: 3 Rooiblom St, Roodekrans, Roodepoort, 1724

17. Acknowledgement

By engaging our services, you acknowledge that:

  • You have read and understood these Terms
  • You agree to be bound by these Terms
  • You have the authority to enter into this agreement
  • All information you provide will be accurate and complete