5 min read
Government jobs are some of the most wanted jobs in South Africa. They are also some of the strictest to apply for. Thousands of applications get thrown out every year, not because the person was not good enough, but because a form was left incomplete or a rule in the advert was missed.
The good news is that the rules are clear. Follow them exactly and you are already in a smaller pile.
National and provincial departments advertise vacancies in a few main places:
Municipalities, state-owned companies and public entities often advertise separately and may use their own forms. Always read that specific advert.
The Z83 is the official application form for employment in the public service. A new version of the form came into use from 1 January 2021, and the old version is no longer accepted. If you have an old Z83 saved on your phone or computer from years ago, throw it away and download the current one.
You can usually download it from the DPSA website or from the department's own website. Some departments also have copies at their offices.
The number one reason applications are rejected is an incomplete Z83. Take your time.
Answer every question that applies to you. Do not leave blanks. If a question truly does not apply, write "N/A" rather than leaving it empty.
At the top of the form you fill in the post you are applying for, the department, and the reference number. Copy the reference number exactly as it appears in the advert. One form per post. If you apply for three posts, you complete three separate Z83s and send three separate applications.
The newer Z83 asks for your qualifications and work experience on the form itself. Many departments state clearly that writing "see CV attached" instead of filling in those sections will disqualify you. Fill them in, even if the same information is in your CV.
An unsigned Z83 is usually treated as incomplete. If you are applying online or by email, sign the form before you scan it, or use a proper signature if the advert allows electronic signing. Check the date too.
The form asks about things like previous dismissals, criminal records and whether you have business interests. Answer truthfully. Government checks, and a false declaration is far worse than an honest "yes" with an explanation.
This part changed in recent years and it confuses a lot of people.
Many adverts now ask for only the Z83 and a detailed CV at first. Certified copies of your ID, qualifications and driver's licence are then requested only from people who are shortlisted, often by a set date before the interview.
But not every department works the same way. Some still want certified copies with your first application. So the rule is simple:
Government panels check your CV against the requirements in the advert, point by point. Make that easy:
Closing dates in government are firm. Late applications are usually not considered, no matter the reason.
Government recruitment can be slow. Many adverts say that if you have not heard back within a certain period, often about three months, you should consider your application unsuccessful. Do not stop applying while you wait.
If you are shortlisted, you may be invited to an interview and sometimes a practical test. For senior posts there may be a competency assessment. Pre-employment checks such as criminal record, qualification and citizenship checks are normal.
You never pay to apply for a government job. Nobody can "guarantee" you a post for a fee, and no real department asks for money for forms, training or placement. If someone asks, it is a scam. Walk away and report it.