ZA supports a second level domain (SLD) structure which means that domain names can only be registered under an SLD e.g. yourname.gov.za or yourname.net.za. ZADNA decides which SLDs should be added to .ZA, which current SLDs should be reviewed, and the entities that should be entrusted with operating the SLDs.

RIGHTS PROTECTION

ZADNA highly values the protection of intellectual property and other rights in the registration of .ZA names. This kind of protection means that the .ZA namespace can be trusted. To achieve this goal, ZADNA has an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process that is intended to allow aggrieved parties to lodge disputes of .ZA domain names, and have their disputes resolved in a faster and more cost- effective way than courts of law. A domain name dispute is a dispute regarding a registered domain name. Such a dispute is between a complainant and a person who registered a domain name (i.e. registrant). According to the ADR regulations, the basis of a domain name dispute can either be an abusive or an offensive registration. 

ADR REGULATIONS

The Minister of Communications promulgated the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Regulations in November 2006 to resolve disputes relating to domain names registered the co.za domain. In terms of the ADR Regulations, the Authority is mandated to accredit suitable service providers to provide ADR services, and to receive fees from the providers for each resolved dispute. There are two panels that can hear a dispute. Fees differ depending on the panel chosen: One (1) adjudicator panel – for a fee of R10 000 (ten thousand Rand) Three (3) adjudicator panel – for a fee of R24 000 (twenty four thousand Rand) The parties to a dispute choose the panel they wish to use. 

ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION (ADR) PROCESS

The .za Domain Name Authority (ZADNA) continues to implement its statutory role as the regulator of .za namespace, amongst others, through the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process to ensure a balance between intellectual property protection and digital accessibility. Under the ADR Regulations 2015, ZADNA oversees a streamlined process, designed to resolve "abusive" or "offensive" registrations without the prohibitive costs of litigation. Central to this process is a mediation-first approach that aims to ensure parties to a domain dispute resolve it amicably. 

In instances where mediation is unsuccessful, ZADNA utilises the services of its accreditation and specialised ADR Service Providers (the South African Institute of Intellectual Property Law (SAIIPL) to provide independent adjudication necessary for impartial decision-making. By enforcing the ADR Regulations, ZADNA not only safeguards the rights of legitimate brand owners through remedies, including domain transfers or cancellations, but also promotes social equity through an ADR Financial Assistance programme, ensuring that the process remains a fair and efficient mechanism for all participants in the South African digital economy. 

How to become an ADR provider
Parties interested in becoming accredited .ZA ADR providers should apply to ZADNA. Applications for accreditation will be processed during the ordinary course of business. Application requirements are listed in Regulations 37 and 38 of the ADR Regulations. Download the regulations below. Applications should be submitted by email to adr-at-zadna.org.za or by hand to ZADNA, 72 New Road, Glen Austin, Midrand, 1685, Gauteng, South Africa. Applications should not exceed 20 pages (excluding attachments) and should adhere to 1.5 spacing and a font of 12. Proposals posted or hand-delivered must be accompanied by a soft copy (CD/DVD or memory stick) that will not be returned. ADR enquiries should be emailed to adr-at-zadna.org.za. You can also contact ZADNA by phone on +27 (0)10 020 3910.

ADR financial assistance
ZADNA is cognisant of the financial implications associated with lodging a dispute relating to a domain name(s) for purposes of Adjudication in line with section 34 of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Regulation (Regulations). To assist complainants who cannot afford the adjudicator's fees under section 34, ZADNA provides ADR financial assistance. Financial assistance is provided after each application is assessed, and the eligibility criteria guided by the underlying principles, is used to help. ZADNA to determine whether or not to allocate the assistance. For more information on the criteria for financial assistance, please refer to the Application Procedure and Eligibility Guidelines located at: ADR Financial Assistance Guidelines. 

Applications for Financial Assistance must be made by filling out the ADR Financial Assistance Application Form found at ADR Financial Assistance and must be directed to: 
The ZA Domain Name Authority Attention: The Chief Executive Officer 
Address: 72 New Road, Glen Austin, Midrand, 1685 
Tel: +27 (0) 10 020 3910 
Email: adrfinancialassistance-at-zadna.org.za