The paperwork, explained plainly
Short, practical guides to the forms and rules South Africans deal with when applying for work and bidding for government tenders. Each one is checked against the official sources it lists.
For job seekers
Applying for jobs, learnerships and government posts, and staying clear of scams.
How to fill in the Z83 form
Every South African public service application needs the current Z83 form (in use since 1 January 2021), filled in completely, signed and initialled on each page. Use one Z83 per post, with that post's reference number, and attach a detailed CV. Departments reject old forms, unsigned forms and late applications.
How to write an ATS-friendly CV
Most large South African employers screen CVs with software before a person sees them. How to format your CV so it's read correctly, with a checklist.
How to spot a fake job in South Africa
The warning signs of fake job adverts and recruitment scams in South Africa, how to check a job is real, and what to do if you've been scammed.
How to write a cover letter in South Africa
When South African employers want a cover letter, what to put in each paragraph, how long it should be, and when the Z83 replaces it for government jobs.
Learnerships and internships in South Africa
How learnerships and internships work in South Africa: SETAs, the learnership agreement, allowances and stipends, how to apply, and why you never pay.
How to apply for government jobs in South Africa
How public service posts are advertised in the DPSA vacancy circular, how to apply with the Z83 or a department's e-Recruitment system, and what happens next.
SAPS and Correctional Services recruitment: how to apply and spot fakes
How SAPS recruits police trainees and Correctional Services recruits learners, where the real adverts appear, and the signs of fake recruitment drives.
Applying through Workday, SuccessFactors, PNet and Careers24
What you see when you apply through Workday, SAP SuccessFactors, PNet and Careers24, and how to prepare your CV so each system reads it and recruiters find it.
The best job sites in South Africa
Where South African jobs are advertised in 2026: job boards, LinkedIn, Indeed, government circulars, employers' own careers pages and youth programmes, and who each suits.
Ready to look? Browse open vacancies or critical skills jobs.
For tenders and suppliers
Getting a small business ready to bid for government work.
How to register on the Central Supplier Database (CSD)
Registering a business on National Treasury's Central Supplier Database (CSD) is free and done online at csd.gov.za. Once your details are verified you get a supplier number starting with MAAA, which tender forms ask for. Keep your details on the CSD current, because tender forms and buyers rely on them.
The SBD forms explained: SBD 1, 4, 6.1 and the rest
What each standard bidding form asks: SBD 1, 3, 4, 6.1 and 7, with the 80/20 and 90/10 preference point systems of the 2022 procurement regulations.
B-BBEE affidavits and certificates for small bidders (EME and QSE)
How small businesses prove their B-BBEE level for tenders: the EME and QSE sworn affidavits, the free CIPC certificate, the levels and common mistakes.
CIDB grading for construction tenders
How the cidb Register of Contractors works for construction tenders: grades 1 to 9, classes of works, tender value limits, registering and staying active.
Tender glossary: South African government tender terms
Plain definitions of South African tender terms: RFQ, RFP, RFB, SBD forms, CSD, the tax compliance PIN, functionality, 80/20 and 90/10 points and more.
Ready to bid? Browse open government tenders.
Let Honde do the paperwork
Honde finds jobs that fit your CV and fills in the Z83 for government posts. Paid plans tailor your CV, and the Max plan adds tenders: SBD forms, bid packs and expiry reminders.
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