If you want to apply for any South African government job — at SASSA, the Department of Health, a municipality, SAPS, or any other public service department — you must complete a Z83 form. Getting this form wrong is one of the most common reasons applications get thrown out before anyone even reads your CV. This guide explains exactly what the Z83 is, where to get it, and how to fill it in correctly so your application isn't rejected.
💡 Quick summary: The Z83 is the official application form for all government jobs in South Africa. Since 2021, only the New Z83 form is accepted. Download it free from www.dpsa.gov.za, fill in every required section, sign it, and submit it with your CV before the closing date.
What is the Z83 Form?
The Z83 is the standard application form for employment in the South African public service. Every government department uses it. When a job advert says "submit a fully completed and signed Z83," they mean this form. Your CV alone is not enough — without a correctly completed Z83, your application will not be considered.
Where Do I Get the Z83 Form?
You can get the official New Z83 form for free from any of these places:
- The Department of Public Service and Administration website: www.dpsa.gov.za (look for the Z83 form download)
- Any government department's website
- In person at any government department, municipal office, or Thusong Service Centre
The form is available as a PDF you can fill in on your computer or phone, or print and complete by hand.
⚠️ Use the NEW Z83 only: A new version of the Z83 was introduced in January 2021. The old form is no longer accepted. Make sure the form you download is the current New Z83, or your application could be disqualified.
How to Complete the Z83 Form: Section by Section
The Z83 is divided into clear sections (Part A to Part F). Here's how to handle each one:
Part A — Position & Department
Fill in the exact job title, the reference number from the advert, and the department name. Copy the reference number exactly — government systems reject applications with the wrong reference.
Part B — Personal Information
Your full names, ID number, contact details, and address. Answer the questions about citizenship and whether you need a work permit honestly.
Part C — Disability & Equity
This section asks about disability and equity information. It's used for fair employment purposes. Complete it as it applies to you.
Part D — Important Questions
Questions about whether you've been dismissed, have a criminal record, or pending cases. Answer these truthfully — lying here is grounds for dismissal later if discovered.
Part E — Languages & Notice Period
Indicate the languages you can speak and your notice period if currently employed.
Part F — Declaration & Signature
This is critical: you MUST sign and date the form. An unsigned Z83 is automatically rejected. If submitting electronically, an electronic signature or a scanned signed copy is required.
Do I Still Need to Attach Certified Copies?
Under the current rules, you generally only submit the completed Z83 and a detailed CV at the application stage. You usually do not need to attach certified copies of all your documents upfront. Instead, only shortlisted candidates are asked to bring certified copies of their ID, qualifications, and other documents to the interview.
However, always read the specific job advert carefully — if it asks for certain documents to be attached, follow those exact instructions.
What to Submit With Your Z83
A complete government job application usually includes:
- The fully completed and signed New Z83 form
- A detailed CV covering your education, work experience, and skills
- Only if requested in the advert: certified copies of ID, qualifications, etc.
💡 No CV yet? Build a professional CV free with our CV Builder — it guides you step by step and lets you download a clean PDF, even from your phone.
How to Submit Your Application
Job adverts will tell you how to submit. The two common methods are:
- By email: Attach your Z83 and CV as PDFs. Put the job reference number in the subject line. Send before the closing date and time.
- By hand or post: Deliver your application to the address in the advert. Go early and hand it in yourself so you know it arrived.
Common Z83 Mistakes That Get Applications Rejected
- Not signing the form — the #1 cause of rejection
- Using the old Z83 instead of the new one
- Getting the reference number wrong or leaving it blank
- Leaving required fields incomplete
- Submitting after the closing date — government deadlines are strict
- Writing "see CV" instead of completing the form sections (some departments reject this)
Final Tips
The Z83 is simple once you understand it, but government departments are strict — small mistakes get applications binned. So: download the new Z83 from dpsa.gov.za, complete every section, sign it, attach a strong CV, use the correct reference number, and submit before the deadline. Proofread everything before you send it.
Looking for government jobs to apply to? Browse the latest government vacancies on SAJobsNow, and read our guide on how to find government jobs in South Africa.
Find Government Jobs Now
Browse the latest government vacancies and apply with your Z83.
Browse Government Jobs →