New Z83 Form 2026 PDF Download: How to Fill It Correctly (Step-by-Step)

Key Takeaways: The “Gatekeeper” Document

• The Golden Rule: If you use the old Z83 form (the one valid before 2021), your application will be immediately disqualified. You MUST use the “New Z83” (Effective 01 January 2021).
• Download Link: You can download the editable PDF directly below.
• The Certification Rule: As of 2026, you generally do NOT need to submit certified copies of your ID/Matric when you apply. You only submit uncertified copies. You only certify them if you are shortlisted.
• The “Wet Ink” Rule: Even if you type into the PDF, you must print the last page and sign it with a pen. Electronic signatures are often rejected by strict HR departments.
• The Reference Number: This is the most common mistake. One wrong digit in the reference number means your CV goes into the “Unidentified” pile.

If you want to work for the South African government—whether as a cleaner, a clerk, or a Director-General—you need to master one document: The Z83 Form.

This form is the “Application for Employment.” It standardizes the hiring process across all departments, from the Department of Health to Home Affairs.

However, the rules changed a few years ago. The “Old Z83” was replaced to include stricter questions about criminal records and previous dismissals. Despite this, thousands of applicants in 2026 still download the wrong form from Google Images and get rejected before their CV is even read.

Here is your definitive guide to downloading, filling, and signing the New Z83 Form for 2026 vacancies.

1. Download the New Z83 Form (2026 Edition)

Do not use a blurry photo from Facebook. Use the official high-quality PDF.

Download the New Z83 Form (PDF)

Source: Statistics South Africa / DPSA

How to know if it’s the correct one:

Look at the bottom right corner of the first page. It should read:

“Effective 01 January 2021”

If it says “2009” or has no date, throw it away. It is obsolete.

2. The “Certification” Confusion (Crucial Update)

Before you run to the police station, read this.

In the past, you had to certify every single document (ID, Matric, Degree) for every single job application. This cost job seekers thousands of Rands in travel and printing.

To fix this, the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) issued Circular 19 of 2022.

The New Rule for 2026:

• Initial Application: You submit the Z83 Form + a Comprehensive CV. You may attach uncertified copies of your qualifications/ID.
• Shortlisted Phase: If (and only if) the department calls you for an interview, you must bring the certified copies then.

Exception: Always read the specific job advert. Some departments (like the SANDF or SAPS) might explicitly ask for certified copies upfront due to security vetting. If the advert says “Attach certified copies,” you obey the advert. If it is silent, follow the DPSA rule.

3. How to Fill the Form: Section-by-Section

The Z83 is split into 7 sections (A to G). You must complete all of them.

Section A: The Vacancy Details

• Reference Number: This is the most important field. Copy it exactly from the job advert. (e.g., REF NO: DOH/2026/01/55).
• Position: The exact job title (e.g., “Administration Clerk Level 5”).
• Department: The specific department (e.g., “Department of Health: Gauteng”).

Section B: Personal Information

• Race/Gender: This is for Employment Equity (EE) stats.
• Disability: If you mark “Yes,” you must be able to prove it (e.g., medical letter) if asked later.
• Contact Details: Double-check your phone number. If they can’t call you, you don’t get the job.

Section C: Language Proficiency

• State your languages (e.g., English, IsiZulu, Afrikaans).
• Rate yourself: “Good,” “Fair,” or “Poor.” Be honest.

Section D: Qualifications

• Start with your highest qualification (e.g., Degree) and work down to Matric.
• Name of School/Institution: e.g., “UNISA” or “Soweto High School”.
• Year Obtained: The year you graduated.

Section E: Work Experience

• Start with your current or most recent job.
• Key Condition: Ensure the dates on the Z83 match the dates on your CV. If the Z83 says you worked there for 2 years but your CV says 3 years, it raises a red flag.

Section F: References

• List 3 contactable references.
• Tip: Do not list your mother. List a former supervisor, a teacher, or a church leader. Ensure their phone numbers are working.

Section G: Declaration (The Legal Part)

• This section asks “Yes/No” questions about criminal records and previous dismissals.
• The Trap: If you were convicted of a crime and you tick “No,” you are committing fraud. They will do a background check. It is better to tick “Yes” and attach a letter explaining the situation (e.g., “I paid an admission of guilt fine for speeding in 2018”) than to lie.
• Signature: You must sign and date the form.

4. Digital vs. Handwritten: Which is Better?

Can I type on the Z83?

Yes. The PDF link provided above is fillable. You can type your details on your laptop.

The “Signature” Problem:

Government HR departments are traditional.

• Safe Route: Type your details -> Print the form -> Sign with a black pen. Scan it back in.
• Risky Route: Typing your name in the signature block. Many departments reject this as “invalid.”
• Acceptable Digital: Using a verified digital signature (like Adobe Sign), but even this is sometimes risky with older HR managers.
• Verdict: Wet Ink is King. Always sign by hand.

5. Z83 Checklist: What to Attach

When you send your email or hand-deliver your envelope, ensure it contains:

1. The New Z83 Form: Fully completed and signed.
2. Comprehensive CV: (Ideally 2–4 pages).
3. ID Copy: (Uncertified is fine for initial application, unless stated otherwise).
4. Matric Certificate: (Uncertified copy).
5. Higher Qualifications: (Uncertified copies of Degrees/Diplomas).
6. Professional Registration: (e.g., SANC receipt for nurses, ECSA for engineers).

Tip: If you are emailing, combine all these into ONE PDF FILE. Do not send 10 separate attachments. Name the file: Surname_Initials_ReferenceNumber.pdf.

6. Common Mistakes That Lead to Rejection

We asked HR officials why they throw CVs in the bin. Here are the top reasons:

1. Old Form: Using the 2019 version.
2. No Reference Number: They don’t know which job you are applying for.
3. Unsigned Form: An unsigned affidavit is worthless.
4. “Refer to CV”: In Section E (Work Experience), you write “Refer to CV” instead of filling in the boxes. This is lazy. Fill the boxes.
5. Late Submission: Sending the email at 16:05 when the closing time was 16:00.

7. FAQ: Z83 in 2026

Q: Can I use one Z83 for multiple jobs?

A: No. You need a separate Z83 for every single post because the Reference Number in Section A changes.

Q: I don’t have a printer. Can I buy a Z83?

A: Yes. Most stationary shops (CNA, PNA) and Internet Cafés sell printed Z83 forms. But make sure they are selling the New 2021 version. Check the bottom right corner before you pay.

Q: Does the Z83 expire?

A: The blank form doesn’t expire (until the DPSA releases a new one). But a signed Z83 expires the moment you submit it. You cannot reuse a signed form for a different job next month because the date will be wrong.

Summary

Government jobs offer stability, medical aid, and housing subsidies. That is why they are so competitive. The Z83 is your first test. It tests your ability to follow simple instructions.

Action Plan:

1. Download: Click the link above and save the Z83.pdf to your phone or laptop.
2. Master Copy: Fill in Sections B, C, D, and F (the parts that never change). Save this as your “Master Z83.”
3. Apply: When a job comes up, open your Master, fill in Section A (Ref No) and Section G (Date/Sign), and you are ready to apply in 5 minutes.

Disclaimer: This guide is based on DPSA regulations active as of 2026. Rules regarding certification and submission methods (Email vs. Hand Delivery) vary by department. Always read the specific instructions at the bottom of the job advert.