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: Send only the Z83 and your CV. Attaching certified copies now is not required, and an incomplete Z83 is the single commonest reason applications are rejected.

Send with your application

A completed Z83 formThe current version, every field filled in, signed, initialled and dated. An incomplete or unsigned Z83 is thrown out before anyone reads your CV.
Your CVUp to date, with contact details that work. Public service asks for a detailed CV; most private employers prefer two pages.

Have ready, but only send when asked

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

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.
Certified copies of any qualificationsCertificates, diplomas or degrees the advert asks for — including academic transcripts.

Getting documents certified

Certified copies must generally be less than six months old.

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.