Domain Names
Legal Basis
– Electronic Communications Act 25 of 2002.
Filing
Country code top-level domain name: .za (registration not yet possible).
Sub-domains: second-level domain open for registration: .ac.za (research and academic institutions); .city.za (local and related authorities within South Africa); .co.za (commercial organizations); .edu.za (distance learning organizations); .gov.za (government departments or organizations); .law.za (practicing firms of attorneys involved in the Legal profession); .mil.za (military establishments in South Africa); .nom.za (individuals); .org.za (non-commercial organizations); .school.za (schools in South Africa).
Applicant: individuals and legal entities.
Restriction as to nationality: none.
Local presence: not required.
Domestic trademark right: not required for obtaining domain name registration.
Domain name can be registered as a trademark: yes.
Registration, Protection
Duration: one year.
Renewal/maintenance: one year, renewable.
Dispute about ownership: to be brought before the Arbitration Foundation of South Africa (AFSA) or the South African Institute of Intellectual Property Law (SAIIPL).
Uniform dispute resolution procedure: none, but Alternate Dispute Resolution Regulations are in force under the Electronic Communications Act.
Authority name: .ZA Domain Name Authority (ZADNA).
Internet address: www.zadna.org.za