How to fill in the Z83 form for government jobs
Every application for a South African government post needs a Z83 form. Only the new version, effective from 1 January 2021, is accepted, and a blank section or a missing signature can disqualify you.
Updated 24 October 2026 · By Tumelo Vincent Tau
Before you start
- Use the new Z83. It says "Effective 01 January 2021" at the top. The DPSA vacancy circular tells applicants to use it, and some departments state that applications on the old Z83 will not be considered.
- Keep the advert open. You need the exact post name, the department and the reference number.
- Read the notes in the advert. Each department sets its own rules: how to apply (email, online, post or hand delivery), the file format and the closing date. Departments state that late applications will not be considered.
The Z83, section by section
The form says all sections must be completed fully, accurately and legibly. Where a question does not apply to you, write "Not applicable" instead of leaving it blank.
| Part | What it asks | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| A. The advertised post | Position (as advertised), department, reference number, when you can start or your notice period | Copy the post name and reference number exactly as in the advert. All of Part A is compulsory. |
| B. Personal information | Names, date of birth, ID number, race, gender, disability, citizenship, criminal record, pending cases, dismissal or disciplinary questions, business with the State, years of experience, professional registration | Answer every question. Your details must match your ID. The form explains that race and gender are asked for employment equity. |
| C. Contact details | Preferred language and how the department should contact you (post, email, fax or telephone) | Use an email address and phone number you check every day. |
| D. Language proficiency | Each South African language you know, rated good, fair or poor for speaking and for reading/writing | Be honest; you may be asked about it in the interview. |
| E. Formal qualifications | School or college, qualification and year, from highest to lowest, and current studies | Include matric (NSC) and any TVET or university qualification. |
| F. Work experience | Employers, post held, dates (MM/YY), reason for leaving, and whether a condition prevents your re-appointment in the Public Service | Always answer the re-appointment question, even if you write "see attached CV" for the rest. |
| G. References | Name, relationship to you and office-hours phone number | Ask your references first and check the numbers work. |
| Declaration | Signature and date | Sign and date the form, and initial the pages. Departments disqualify forms that are not signed. |
When can you write "see attached CV"?
Departments ask for Parts A, B, C and D to be completed in full. For Parts E, F and G, many accept "see attached CV" when there is not enough space, but only if your CV really contains all the information the form asks for. The question in Part F about conditions that prevent re-appointment must always be answered on the form itself.
What to send with your Z83
- Your signed Z83 and a detailed CV. Some departments disqualify applications that leave out either one.
- Certified copies are usually not needed when you apply. The Z83 form says shortlisted candidates will be asked for certified documents, normally on or before the interview day. The form says certified copies should not be older than six months unless the advert says otherwise.
- Follow the advert if it asks for more. If an advert asks for specific documents with the application, attach them.
- Applying by email? Some departments ask for everything combined into one PDF and do not accept zipped files or photos.
Mistakes that get applications disqualified
- Using the old Z83 form
- Not signing or initialling the form
- Leaving sections of Parts A to D blank
- No reference number, or the wrong one
- No CV attached
- Sending it after the closing date
Do it on your phone
CV Maker SA fills in the 2021 Z83 from the details in your CV, adds your signature and initials on every page, and saves the Z83, your CV and copies of your documents as one PDF, ready to email or print. You only add what the form needs for that job: the post, department and reference number.
Sources: the Z83 Application for Employment form (effective 01 January 2021), e.g. on the Department of Basic Education website; DPSA Public Service Vacancy Circular 26 of 2026; Vuk'uzenzele: Government job applications made easy. Rules can differ per department: the advert always comes first.