The Z83 Form Explained

If you're applying for a South African government job, the Z83 is compulsory. Fill it in wrong and your application is thrown out before it's even read.

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 was updated 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 of the form, so always download the latest one.

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• Using an outdated version of the form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 questions about being dismissed or having 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 from the advert. A wrong reference number can send your application to the wrong place.

Part B – Personal information

Your full names, ID number, contact details and citizenship. Fill in every field. If something genuinely doesn't apply to you, write "N/A" rather than leaving it empty.

Part C – Contact details

A working cellphone number and an email address you 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. You must answer the questions honestly — whether you've been dismissed for misconduct, convicted of a crime, or dismissed for operational reasons. Answer each one. Do not skip them. Dishonesty here, if discovered later, is grounds for dismissal.

Part E, F, G – Only if there's no CV requirement

The New Z83 changed things: if the advert says you must attach a CV, you do not have to complete the detailed sections on qualifications, work experience and references on the form itself — those can be covered by your CV. But read the advert carefully. If it doesn't mention a CV, complete every section on the form.

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
• Only submit certified copies of qualifications if the advert asks — usually only shortlisted candidates need these
• 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 like the one used by some provincial governments. The advert will say which. If it's email, use the exact subject line requested and send it as one clear PDF where possible. If it's a portal, register early so you're not fighting technical issues at the deadline.