Every South African government job application needs a Z83 form. It is also where most applications are thrown out — not on qualifications, but on paperwork. Departments state plainly in their adverts that incomplete forms, or applications on the old form, will not be considered.
This guide covers which form to use, what each section requires, and the specific mistakes that get applications disqualified before anyone reads your CV.
Use the New Z83 Form Only
The new Z83, effective from 1 January 2021, is the only version accepted. Departments reject applications submitted on the old form automatically, without review.
Download it free from the DPSA website or gov.za/documents, or collect a copy from any Public Service Department. Never pay anyone for a Z83 form — it is a free government document.
One Z83 Form Per Post
This catches people out constantly. Each post you apply for needs its own separate, fully completed Z83. You cannot photocopy one form and send it to five vacancies, and you cannot list several reference numbers on a single form.
If you are applying for four posts in the same circular, that is four complete forms.
Completing the Z83 Section by Section
Sections A, B, C and D — complete in full
These sections of the Z83 form cover your personal details, contact information, the post you are applying for and your equity details. Departments require these to be completed in full. Leaving a field blank, or writing “see CV” in these sections, is grounds for disqualification.
The post particulars matter most: enter the exact job title and the correct reference number as they appear in the advert. A wrong reference number means your application may never reach the right selection panel.
Sections E, F and G — you may refer to your CV
Because of the limited space on the form, it is acceptable to write “refer to CV” or “see attached” in Sections E, F and G, which cover your qualifications, work history and references.
With one critical exception. The question in Part F relating to conditions that prevent re-appointment in the Public Service must be answered. You cannot refer that one to your CV.
The declaration
The form must be initialled on every page and signed at the declaration. An unsigned Z83 is an incomplete Z83. If you are applying online, print, complete, sign, then scan — or complete and sign it digitally if the department accepts that.
What to Attach to Your Z83 Form
Attach a recent, comprehensive CV. Most departments want it to show, for each period of employment, the start and end dates in dd/mm/yy format, your job title, the duties you performed and your reason for leaving.
Do not attach certified copies
This is the change most applicants miss. Under current DPSA practice, you submit only the Z83 and your CV at application stage. Certified copies of your ID, qualifications and driver’s licence are requested only if you are shortlisted, usually on or before the day of the interview.
Some departments specify that certified copies must not be older than six months when eventually submitted, so there is no benefit in certifying everything now.
The Mistakes That Get Applications Rejected
- Using the old Z83. Automatic rejection, no exceptions.
- Leaving Sections A to D incomplete, or writing “see CV” where a full answer is required.
- Not answering the Part F re-appointment question.
- Not signing or initialling the form.
- Wrong or missing reference number, or applying with one form for several posts.
- Sending it to the wrong address. Applications delivered to an incorrect physical address are not considered, and it is your responsibility to get it to the right place.
- Submitting late. Closing times are often 16:00, not midnight. Late applications are not accepted.
Emailed and Online Applications
Where a department accepts an emailed Z83 form, read the instructions carefully. Several require the Z83 and CV to be sent as one attachment, and some cap the file size — 4MB is common. Others require the reference number in the subject line, and will discard emails without it.
Departments with e-recruitment portals often want the application completed online instead. Follow whichever route the advert specifies rather than sending both.
After You Submit Your Z83 Form
Once your Z83 form is in, most departments only contact shortlisted candidates. The waiting period stated in adverts varies — commonly three months, sometimes four or six. If you have not heard anything by then, treat the application as unsuccessful and keep applying elsewhere.
Shortlisted candidates typically undertake two pre-entry assessments: a practical exercise testing the post’s technical requirements, and an integrity or ethical conduct assessment.
A Note on Scams
Government job applications are free. Nobody can secure you a public service post, fast-track your application, or sell you a Z83 form. If someone asks you for payment in connection with a government vacancy, it is a scam.
Browse current government vacancies on our Jobs page, and see our Career Advice section for more on applications and avoiding fraudulent adverts.
This guide reflects the Z83 requirements stated in current DPSA Public Service Vacancy Circulars. Individual departments set their own additional instructions — always read the advert you are applying to.