[Johannesburg, South Africa, 21 June 2024]: The .ZA Domain Name Authority (.zadna) unveils pivotal updates designed to enhance the robustness and sustainability of the .za domain namespace. These changes are part of the ongoing commitment to fostering a dynamic and adaptable domain environment that meets the evolving needs of the industry.
“In response to a comprehensive financial analysis and the impacts of inflation and foreign exchange rates on operational expenditures, .zadna has recognized the necessity for a registry fee adjustment. This decision follows thorough consultations with industry stakeholders and aligns with current economic developments and operational needs,” says Molehe Wesi, CEO of .zadna.
Starting from 01 October 2024 to 30 September 2025, .zadna will implement a 5.23% CPI-linked adjustment in the rate of Billable Transactions for all domains registered and renewed under the four commercial second-level domains (co.za, org.za, net.za, and web.za). This adjustment will change the registration and renewal fee from R55.00 to R61.00 per domain name.
To ensure transparency and predictability, .zadna projects indicative adjustment rates for the subsequent years:
- 2025/26: 6.56%
- 2026/27: 6.15%
“These figures will be confirmed annually in July, based on the prevailing Consumer Price Index (CPI), allowing for industry implementation in October of every year. We encourage all stakeholders to align their communications and timelines with these changes to facilitate a smooth transition,” adds Wesi.
In addition, .zadna announces the launch of the Non-Commercial Development Fund. Following the implementation of the fee adjustment, the ZA Registry Consortium (ZARC) will collect and transfer accumulated funds monthly to support non-commercial initiatives and capacity developments within the .za namespace.
“Based on an extensive public consultative process, .zadna will introduce a policy change to allow multi-year registrations and renewals, enabling terms of up to five years. This new option will coexist with the current annual registration and renewal structure, providing registrants with greater flexibility and choice,” says Wesi.
“We are targeting the implementation of this policy by 01 October 2024. Over the next three months, .zadna will collaborate closely with ZARC and the Registrar community to ensure a seamless transition. We are confident that these measures will significantly benefit the .za domain namespace and its users,” adds Wesi.
These updates and policy enhancements highlight .zadna’s dedication to maintaining a resilient and forward-looking domain name system. “The support and cooperation of our tech community are crucial as we navigate these changes,” concludes Wesi.
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The .ZA Domain Name Authority (.zadna) is a not-for-profit company established in terms of section 59 of the Electronic Communications and Transaction Act, 2002 (Act 25 of 2002). . zadna’s mandate is to regulate the .za namespace and ensure its efficient use, management, and administration. .zadna is accountable to its members and the South African Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT).
For more information, contact Angel Selebano at 063 707 3274 or email: