Filling in the Z83 Form For Government Vacancies

What is the Z83 Form?

A Z83 form is a document used when applying for government jobs. The Z83 form assists government departments in choosing and identifying a candidate. Therefore, it is essential that when filling out a Z83 form, all sections are completed accurately and legibly.

The Z83 form will require basic information from job seekers. Thereafter, candidates who have been shortlisted for an interview will also be required to provide additional certified information.

Download a copy of the Z83 Form here (make sure you use this version as the old version is no longer accepted).

Where to find government jobs

There are many government jobs available within various departments. Most (if not all) practicing the principles of Employment Equity, encouraging disabled candidates to apply.

You can view government jobs on the Public Service Vacancy Circular. This is published every week (excluding December) and consists of a number of advertisements for vacant jobs and posts within Public Service departments, within all provinces.

Read the rest of our Career Guidance Articles and Tips here

How to complete a Z83 Form

Before you begin, be sure to set aside time to complete the Z83 application form, as this will show your seriousness to secure the job. When doing this, ensure that you complete the application form in full, as failure to do so will result in disqualification.

Sections of the Z83 Form

SECTION A: Here, you will be required to fill in the job position/ title of the advertised job (be sure to not summarize or change it).

Indicate the full name of the department and position you are applying for, as displayed in the job advertisement (e.g. Department of Employment and Labour).
Be sure to also state the relevant reference number of the position (this is provided in the job advertisement).
Whilst many government job positions have similar requirements, it is important to note that each Z83 application form is for one position (i.e. you may not apply for more than one position with the same form).
Be sure to also include the dates of your availability, should your application be successful.

SECTION B: Here, you will be required to fill in your full personal details. Ensure that these details are the same as those on your CV, and that it consists of:

Your full name
Your Identity number or Passport Number
Your date of birth
Your race
Your citizenship
Your nationality
If you have a disability
If you have a disciplinary case
Your work permit
If you have a criminal record
If you have been retired or discharged from the public service
Your work experience
Your business interests
Your occupation registration
Your profession

It is important to not leave any section incomplete. If you find that a section is not applicable to you, do not leave it blank. Rather, fill in the space with “N/A” as this will confirm that you have answered all the questions.

SECTION C: Here you will be required to provide contact details.

You are advised to choose “telephone” as your chosen method of correspondence, as it is fast and convenient.
Be sure to also include at least two phone numbers of trusted and reliable individuals who can inform you of any communication regarding the position.

SECTION D: Select the language(s) you are proficient in by rating yourself on your ability to speak, write, and read. For example, BAD, FAIR, GOOD.

SECTION E: Here, you will need to list all your formal qualifications, beginning with the highest qualification, and ending in the lowest. These qualifications must be relevant to the position you are applying for. For example: Bachelors Degree, Matric.

SECTION F: In this section, you will need to list all your work experience, again, starting with the most relevant. You can include aspects such as volunteering work (as per what is required.)

SECTION G: List at least three people as referees. These individuals can be previous supervisors, colleagues, or managers who can speak on behalf of your competence and work experience. Be sure to not include friends or family members as referees. To finish off, ensure that your form is signed and dated, and that you sign your initial on every page.

Once you have completed these steps, you can submit your Z83 form!

Download an example of a completed Z83 Form here

Documents to submit with your Z83 Form

Once you have completed the steps of filling out the Z83 form, you will then need to attach your CV (no more than five pages.) You may also be required to submit certified copies of the relevant qualifications mentioned in your CV/ application form.

Be sure that when submitting the form, your CV, and qualifications that you also attach a certified copy of your South African identity document or passport (if foreign national). In some instances, you may also be required to submit a copy of your driver’s license.

Where to submit your Z83 Form

It’s important to submit all these documents to the place listed in the job advertisement before the designated closing date. Applications sent via email or fax will NOT be accepted, as all documents (including the Z83 form) must be either posted or hand delivered.

You are advised to not send any further information or documents after the closing date, as they will not be considered. It’s important to note that positions for government jobs are usually advertised for about a month before being closed.

What happens once you have submitted your Z83 form?

After the closing date, the government department goes through all applications, creating a short-list of potential candidates who are then contacted by phone call to come for an interview.

Thereafter, the selection committee/ panel conducts a series of interviews, selecting a successful candidate for recommendation. The selection committee will need to record reasons for their recommendation, with the recommendation being approved or denied by an individual with executive responsibility for appointments (in a provincial department, and this is usually the minister.) Should the recommendation be rejected, a reason must be given.

It’s important to note that the public service regulations require that the selection committee for various government jobs must consist of at least three employees who are at the same/ higher grading level of the advertised job.

Successful candidates will be subject to Personnel Suitability Checks, which include:

Criminal record checks
Citizenship and financial/ asset record checks
Qualification checks
Employment verification checks (this includes social media profiles)

Appointments with shortlisted candidates will be subject to the outcome of the security clearance process. The successful candidate will also be required to sign an annual performance agreement, and if applicable, disclose their financial interests annually.

All applicants are required to:

Declare any conflict/ perceived conflicts of interest
Disclose memberships of Boards they are associated with
Disclose directorships they are associated with

Should applicants fail to comply with the above requirements, their application will not be accepted.

It’s important to note that all appointments for a contract lasting longer than a year are subject to a period of probation.

Important things to note

Applications submitted on/ after 1 January 2021 must be sent in the prescribed new Z83 form.
All information provided will be confidential and not disclosed or used for any other purpose than to assess the candidate’s suitability. Such information may only be used for other purposes if required by the law.
All personal details must correspond with that on your ID/ passport.
Should you have a criminal record/ pending on a criminal case/ been convicted/ found guilty of a criminal offense, the Executive Authority may then consider your criminal record(s) against the nature of the job functions in accordance with the international information security and disciplinary code.
Should you require additional information regarding the advertised post, please direct all enquiries to the department in which the vacancy exists.

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