As you may be aware, and in light of the worldwide pandemic we are facing, all B-BBEE Verification Agencies have been afforded the ability to carry out a remote style B-BBEE Verification, as opposed to the standard mandatory physical onsite verification you may be used to.
It should however be noted that the latter is by no means a permanent mechanism to carry out a B-BBEE Verification, and shall more than likely revert back to the standard compulsory physical onsite verifications after the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided. But for the time being, SANAS are advising on a continual basis as to the application of such remote verifications, as well as the time-frames associated thereto.
As at present, and based on the current state of the nation in terms of the COVID-19 pandemic, remote verification assessments are extended for implementation (where feasible) up until 30 April 2021, after which such assessments are to revert back to physical site visits. The latter subject to change & further clarity as / and when provided by SANAS.
"It should however be noted that the latter is by no means a permanent mechanism to carry out a B-BBEE Verification, and shall more than likely revert back to the standard compulsory physical onsite verifications after the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided."
This being said, and to provide additional clarity on a remote style verification, it must be noted that the latter may actually not be feasible for all measured entities, and in the event that the measured entity is unable to comply with the various requirements & infrastructure required to be in place to conduct a remote verification, the B-BBEE Rating Agency will be unable to mitigate any potential risk associated to such an assessment. The agency will thus be required to carry out a physical site assessment.
Unfortunately no B-BBEE Rating Agency is permitted to issue a measured entity, where applicable, with an accredited B-BBEE Certificate if a site visit has not been conducted, whether it be a remote site visit, or physical site visit. Unfortunately, in the event where a measured entity is unable to comply with either of the site visit requirements, there will be no B-BBEE Verification Certificate issued, as documented by the SANAS R47-03 & associated documentation.