Construction contractors
CIDB Grade 1 registration for contractors
We help construction businesses register on the CIDB Register of Contractors at Grade 1, so they can be considered for public-sector construction work.
- Compliance Focused
- Clear Process
- POPIA Conscious
- Professional Support
CIDB Grade 1 Assistance
Afri-Cafe service fee
R1,495
Once-off · service fee + CIDB fee
Government fee
- R450 (per CIDB) · CIDB
What CIDB registration is
The Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) keeps the Register of Contractors used by public-sector clients to award construction work. A contractor's grading combines a grade with a class of works — for example general building (GB) or civil engineering (CE).
Grade 1 is the entry grade for smaller public contracts. Higher grades allow larger contract values and require evidence of financial and works capability, so we quote those individually.
Who needs it
- Construction businesses that want public-sector work
- Contractors responding to tenders that require a CIDB grading
- Newly registered construction companies starting with Grade 1
Requirements and documents
Who can apply
- A registered business with active Central Supplier Database (CSD) registration
- A compliant tax status with SARS
- The class or classes of construction work you intend to do
Documents and information we'll need
- Company registration documents and directors' IDs
- CSD supplier number
- SARS tax compliance status
- Details of the class(es) of works you're applying for
- Proof of payment of the CIDB fee
What we handle — and what the authority handles
Afri-Cafe is an independent administration partner. We are not CIDB and cannot make decisions on its behalf.
Afri-Cafe handles
- Checking your CSD and tax prerequisites first
- Helping you choose the relevant class(es) of works
- Preparing and submitting the Grade 1 application
- Following up until the CIDB decides
- Confirming your grading details for tender submissions
CIDB handles
- Assessing the application
- Registering the contractor and grading designation
- Publishing the registration on the Register of Contractors
Fees
Our service fee and the government fee are shown separately, so you always know what goes to the authority.
| Fee | Amount | Paid to |
|---|---|---|
| Afri-Cafe service fee | R1,495 Once-off · service fee + CIDB fee | Afri-Cafe |
| CIDB Grade 1 administration feeCIDB lists a R450 Grade 1 administration fee and no annual fee. Whether it applies per class of works is being confirmed with CIDB. We confirm the total with you before you pay. Paid directly to CIDB. | R450 (per CIDB) | CIDB |
Government fees are set by the authority and can change. We confirm the applicable amount with you before anything is paid.
How it works
The process, step by step
- STEP 01
Prerequisite check
We confirm your CSD registration and tax compliance first.
- STEP 02
Class of works
We help you select the class(es) that match your work.
- STEP 03
Application
We prepare and submit your Grade 1 application.
- STEP 04
CIDB assessment
The CIDB assesses the application. We follow up on any queries.
- STEP 05
Registered
Your grading is recorded on the Register of Contractors.
Assessment times are set by the CIDB and are outside Afri-Cafe's control. A CIDB grading makes you eligible for work within that grade — it does not guarantee any tender award.
Common problems we help you avoid
No active CSD registration
CSD registration must be in place before applying.
Tax status not compliant
A non-compliant tax status stops the application.
Wrong class of works
Choosing a class that doesn't match your actual work limits which tenders you can bid on.
Registration lapses
Registrations must be renewed. A lapsed grading can disqualify a submission.
Where to go from here
Related services
- CSD registration
Required before CIDB grading.
- COIDA registration
Construction tenders commonly ask for a COIDA Letter of Good Standing.
- Tender services
Readiness checks and bid preparation for construction tenders.
- Compare supplier and tender packages
CIDB, CSD and compliance documents combined for contractors.
CIDB Grade 1 Assistance: frequently asked questions
What do I need before applying for CIDB Grade 1?
An active CSD registration and a compliant tax status with SARS, plus your company and director details.
What does the CIDB charge?
The CIDB charges its own fee per class of works, paid directly to the CIDB. We confirm the current amount with you before you pay. Afri-Cafe's R1,495 is our separate service fee.
Can you help with higher grades?
Yes. Higher grades require evidence of financial and works capability, so we assess your situation and quote individually.
Does a CIDB grading guarantee tenders?
No. It makes you eligible for work within your grade and class. Awards depend on each tender's evaluation.
Start my CIDB registration
Send us a few details and we'll confirm what's needed, the applicable government fee and the next steps.