Z83 forms: what the rules say about blank fields, initials and signatures

DPSA allows job applicants to leave inapplicable questions in Parts A to D of the Z83 blank or mark them N/A. The declaration must still be signed. Both instructions appear in its March 2025 clarification, issued after departments applied the form inconsistently.

The guidance covers national and provincial departments and government components. Check the employer's own application process when applying to a municipality, public entity or private company.

Read the form with the later guidance

The Z83 effective from January 2021 asks for the vacancy reference, personal and contact details, language proficiency, qualifications, work experience and referees. Its printed instructions still contain broad wording about completing every section and initialling the form.

The 2025 circular requires applicants to complete all relevant fields with enough information about themselves and the post. Selection committees must also consult the CV. Applicants already employed in the public service need not answer the Part F question about conditions preventing reappointment.

Initials on the second page, where the signature appears, are optional under the clarification. The first-page initial instruction remains. Sign the declaration and answer every question relevant to your application accurately.

Check the actual advert

The Electricity and Energy instructions in Annexure B of Circular 40 of 2026 still say Parts A to D must be completed in full and ask for initials. They also set out separate requirements for packaging an emailed application.

If an instruction leaves you uncertain, contact the department before the deadline. Give the vacancy reference and identify the paragraph in Circular 03 of 2025 that you want clarified. Keep any written answer. The deadline still applies while you are waiting for a response.

Check the file you will send

Keep the full advert, Z83 and CV beside one another for a final read. TPR recommends checking the following:

• Compare the vacancy reference character by character with the advert.
• Check that the contact details are correct and still in use.
• Match education and employment dates across the form and CV.
• Make sure the declaration is signed and both pages are present.
• Open the final attachment to confirm that scanning or conversion has kept the text readable.

Use accurate information throughout. Ask the recruitment contact about a question you cannot resolve; do not invent employment, qualifications or a reason for leaving to fill a space.

Retain a private copy of what you submitted and any acknowledgement. TPR's official circular and amendments guide explains how to find the full vacancy record and check for corrections.