What documents do you actually need?

More applications are thrown out for a missing signature or a stale certification than for anything to do with the person applying. Pick what you are applying for and work through the list.

What are you applying for?

Before anything else: Most learnerships want certified copies with the application itself — check the advert, because sending none can be as fatal as sending the wrong ones.

Send with your application

Your CVUp to date, with contact details that work. Public service asks for a detailed CV; most private employers prefer two pages.
Certified copy of your IDSmart card (both sides) or the green barcoded book.
Certified copy of your matric certificateThe certificate itself, or your statement of results if the certificate has not been issued yet.
A short motivation letterif askedOne page, naming the post and the reference number if there is one.

Have ready, but only send when asked

Getting these certified takes a trip, so start early — you may be asked at short notice.

Certified copies of any qualificationsCertificates, diplomas or degrees the advert asks for — including academic transcripts.
Bank confirmation letterif askedNeeded to pay your stipend. Free from your bank or its app — not a bank statement.
SARS tax numberif askedRegister free on SARS eFiling if you do not have one. A stipend can still be taxable.
Proof of residenceif askedA recent municipal bill or a letter from your ward councillor.

Getting documents certified

Many employers want copies certified within the last three months — the advert is the authority, so follow it.

Any police station — free, and open at any hour.
Post Office branches — usually a small fee.
A Commissioner of Oaths at most banks, attorneys and some libraries.

What quietly invalidates a document

A copy certified from another copy. The Commissioner must see the original.
A certification stamp with no date, or one that has gone stale since you got it.
Sending certified copies to a government post that asked only for a Z83 and CV.
A Z83 with blank fields, or one that is signed but not dated.
Leaving the reference number off — it is how your application gets routed.

This is a general guide. The advert you are applying to is always the authority — if it asks for something different, follow the advert. Nobody legitimate will ever charge you to apply, and you should never pay for a job. How to spot a scam.