Every year, thousands of qualified South Africans are disqualified from government posts for one avoidable reason: their Z83 form was incomplete or filled in incorrectly. The public service is strict about this. A brilliant CV won't save you if the Z83 is wrong. This guide walks you through exactly what the form is and how to complete it properly.
What is the Z83?
The Z83 is the official Application for Employment form used by all South African government departments and many public entities. It's issued by the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA), and the current version is the New Z83 (2021). If a government post is advertised, you almost always have to submit this form alongside your CV. Some departments will not accept an old version, so always download the latest one.
What changed with the New Z83
Two changes matter most. First, if the advert asks for a CV, you generally don't have to repeat all your qualifications and experience on the form itself. Your CV can carry that detail. Second, you usually don't attach certified copies when you apply. Only shortlisted candidates are asked for certified copies, typically on or before the interview. This saves everyone time and money, but you must still read each advert, because departments can add their own instructions.
The most common Z83 mistakes
- Leaving fields blank instead of writing "N/A" (blanks are treated as incomplete)
- Not signing and dating the form
- Using an outdated version of the form
- Writing "see CV" in a section that must be filled in on the form itself
- Forgetting to answer the declaration questions about dismissal or a criminal record
- Not initialling every page where required
How to fill in the New Z83, section by section
Part A: Position and department
Write the exact job title and reference number from the advert, and the correct department name. Copy these word-for-word. A wrong reference number can send your application to the wrong place.
Part B: Personal information
Your full names, ID number, and other required personal details. Fill in every field. If something genuinely doesn't apply, write "N/A" rather than leaving it empty.
Part C: Contact details
A working cellphone number and an email address you actually check. This is how they'll invite you to an interview. An old number here has cost many people the job.
Part D: Declaration questions
This is where people get disqualified. Answer honestly whether you've been dismissed for misconduct, convicted of an offence, or dismissed for operational reasons. Answer each one. Do not skip them. Dishonesty here, if discovered later, is grounds for dismissal.
Parts E, F, G: Qualifications, experience, references
If the advert requires a CV, you may not need to complete these detailed sections on the form itself. Your CV covers them. If the advert does not mention a CV, complete every section on the form. When in doubt, fill them in anyway.
Certified copies: when do you need them?
Under the New Z83 you usually submit certified copies only if you're shortlisted, and typically on or before the interview day. Don't send a thick bundle of certified documents with your initial application unless the advert specifically asks for it. Keep recent certified copies of your ID and qualifications ready so you can produce them quickly if called.
Before you submit: final checklist
- You're using the New Z83 (2021) version
- Every field is filled in: "N/A" where it doesn't apply, no blanks
- The declaration questions in Part D are all answered
- The form is signed and dated
- You've attached your CV if the advert asked for one
- You've only attached certified copies if the advert specifically requires them at this stage
- You've applied before the closing date and time
How to submit
Departments accept applications in different ways: by post, by hand, by email, or through an online portal such as those used by some provincial governments. The advert will say which. If it's email, use the exact subject line requested and send your documents in the format asked for (often a single PDF). Note the closing time, not just the date, late applications are not accepted.
Questions people ask
Where do I get the Z83 form and does it cost anything?
Download the New Z83 free from the DPSA website (dpsa.gov.za) or from the department you're applying to. It is free. Never pay anyone for a Z83 form.
Do I need to attach certified copies with the Z83?
Under the New Z83, you usually do not submit certified copies when you apply. Only shortlisted candidates are asked for certified copies, typically on or before the interview day. Always follow what the specific advert says.
Can I write 'see CV' on the Z83?
No. Sections that must be completed on the form itself must be filled in. However, if the advert requires a CV, you may not need to complete the detailed qualification, experience and reference sections on the form, read the advert carefully.
What is the most common reason people are disqualified?
Incomplete forms: blank fields, an unsigned or undated form, unanswered declaration questions in Part D, or using an outdated version of the form. Completeness matters as much as your qualifications.
This guide is written by OnboardingSA to help South African job seekers. Rules and forms change, so always follow the official advert and the employer's own instructions. Browse current jobs →