If you are looking to apply for a job in the public service of South Africa, odds are you will have to download and fill a z83 form. This is a form that we all know more than we’d like to admit. However, the government has recently released a new version of the z83 form.
The Z83 refers to the “Application for Employment” form used by job seekers to apply for government vacancies in South Africa. The form also assists government departments to shortlist qualifying applicants for the advertised posts more efficiently.
The new Z83 form was gazetted on 06 November 2020 and took effect on the 1st January 2021. It is available in 2 file formats, PDF and DOCX. The PDF format has an editable and non-editable version while the DOCX is editable.
If you have been told to have a doctor’s handwriting, we highly recommend that you apply using the pdf editable version instead of filling the form by hand.
The changes have left most who are used to the old form wondering how to appropriately fill the new Z83 form. But have no fear, we will go through how to fill out the new Z83 form step by step.
Section A: Fill in the required information about the advertised post.
While filling in this section, one needs to be extremely careful not to misspell the position, department, and most importantly, the reference number of the post. Carefully look at the advertisement and enter the required information as it is presented in the advertisement. See Z83 section A Example above.
Section B: Fill in your personal information
In this section, you are required to fill in your personal information which includes full names and surname, ID number (Identity Number), date of birth, and race. Outside of those, the remaining are yes and no questions. Make sure to answer the questions truthfully to avoid problems should you be shortlisted for an interview.
Section C: Add your preferred medium of communication
For this section, you will choose the most convenient means of communication for you. Should you be fortunate enough to be shortlisted for an interview, this is the method that Human Resource (HR) will use to contact you. We highly recommend that you use a cell phone number. See the example above.
Section D: Enter your language skills
South Africa has eleven official languages spread across 9 provinces. In this section, you can enter up to 5 languages that you are most fluent in. NB. Make sure that you include the languages that are spoken in the area where the job is located. you will be required to rate your language fluency and reading and writing ability as either “good”, “fair” or poor. See the example above.
Section E: Fill in your formal qualifications.
In this section, you can add up to four (4) qualifications starting with the highest to lowest. If you have lots of qualifications, enter the most relevant from highest to lowest. The rest of the additional qualifications can be included in the curriculum vitae (CV). Also, don’t forget to fill in the “qualification and institution” if you are currently studying. See the example above.
Section F: Add your work experience
When entering your experience, remember that you must be able to provide reliable references (see section G)to advocate for you. The experience you provide in this section must be verified by your references. So, as a general rule, do not include references where the reason for leaving, is “dismissal”.
Section G: Provide credible references
Fill in the best possible references, preferably people that you’ve worked closely with. Avoid adding friends and family members. The HR department would be looking to learn more about your work ethic and general behavior in a working environment. Thus the three (3) references you provide in this section are very crucial. Write their names, relationship to you (e.g occupation), and the correct cell phone number.
Sign the Declaration.
By signing you declare that all the information that you provided (including your attachments) is complete and correct to the best of your knowledge. Any false information provided will result in your application being disqualified or disciplinary action taken against you if you are appointed.
Initial each page
Write your initials on the bottom right corner of each page. Forgetting to do this simple step may lead to the dismissal of your application.
Special notes.
- All information provided on the Z83 form will be treated with the strictest confidentiality and will not be disclosed or used for any other purpose than to assess the suitability of a person, except in so far as it may be required and permitted by law. Your details must correspond with the details in your ID or passport.
- Use “passport number” in the case of non-South Africans.
- This information is required to enable the department to comply with the Employment Equity Act, 1998.
- This information will only be taken into account if it directly relates to the requirements of the position.
- The Executive Authority shall consider the criminal record (s) against the nature of the job functions in line with internal information security and disciplinary code.
- The applicant may submit additional information separately where the space provided is not sufficient.
- Departments must accept certified documents that accompany the application(s) with certification that is up to 6 months unless the advert prescribes a longer period.
- Each application for employment form must be duly signed and initialed by the applicant. Failure to sign this form may lead to disqualification of the application during the selection process.
