MEDIA RELEASE

• .zaDNA initiates public consultation process
• Domain Name Space needs to evolve into a structured model in line with global practice
• Policies relevant to a maturing Internet have to be established
• Achieve growth of the Internet and narrow digital divide

1. obtain specific comment and input concerning the structure of the .za domain
2. engage a wide range of stakeholders in a far broader process regarding the use of the .za domain, including access, education and outreach.

In December 2004, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) approved the re-delegation of the .za domain to the Authority. In addition to administering and managing .za, the Authority is also mandated to licence and regulate registries and registrars and develop policy for the South African domain name space. In order to fulfil its responsibilities in terms of the ECT Act, the Authority is reviewing a number of domain name policy issues.

Knowledge Gap
One of the key issues highlighted in the area of Internet governance over the past few years has been the digital divide that exists. This divide exists not only in respect of access to technology but also in respect of the knowledge regarding the technology. There are a number of policy considerations which are crucial for the ongoing growth of the Internet community in our country as well as the stability of the existing infrastructure. The Authority may need to consider education and outreach programs to narrow the digital divide.

The Current Structure of .za
The growth of the Internet in South Africa was not a formal, structured process and the structure and management of the domains used to identify and address users and infrastructure developed through a largely informal process. It has been experienced and recognised in many countries around the world that the ad hoc efforts of the pioneers are no longer appropriate in an environment where the Internet has become a critical communications mechanism for business, government, communities and individuals.

Thus there is an evolving formalisation of Internet policy making on an international, regional and national level, with government, business and civil society demanding and receiving an increasingly influential role.

South Africa has seen the creation of a domain structure where responsibility has been devolved to a number of parties, with differing abilities and success. The .co.za sub-domain aimed at commercial registrants has shown significant growth with over 196 000 registrations. Unfortunately other sub-domains have not displayed the same level of growth and offer differing levels of service, convenience and stability.

Major Considerations
The key consideration at the initial stage of this consultative process is the structure of .za Domain Name Space. The Authority needs to consider and implement an optimal structure for the za Domain Name Space taking into account specific needs of the country.

In addition, the Authority needs to exercise its mandate to increase knowledge and awareness of domain names and issues related to Internet naming amongst a much wider community.

Other critical issues to consider include:

• funding ongoing Internet growth
• including previously excluded communities as practitioners and entrepreneurs
• education and skills development
• international trends around governance, policy formulation and expansion.

Process
It is the Authority's intention to tackle these issues in a staged approach, dealing with the structure of .za and policy considerations. We expect stakeholders to make submissions to the Public Discussion document. Arranging or facilitating additional interactions with stakeholders will be considered as the needs arise. Once the initial consultative process has been completed, the Authority plans to propose the structure and policy model for the za Domain Name Space. This proposal will be subjected to public comment before the Authority finalises the za model.

Today's release of the Public Discussion Document is the first step in the process. Comments on it are invited from the public as a whole, including civil society, labour, business, government, academia and the technology sector.

Stakeholder Education
The Authority recognises the value of input and comment from informed stakeholders. Since intimate knowledge on the workings of a Domain Name Space is possibly limited, the Authority is seriously considering how best to promote awareness and understanding of this subject.

Download the full document here (pdf-284kB)

For more information contact: Hasmukh Gajjar (Chair) Tel: 011 800 7400

Submissions can be sent to: or (by post) 261 Brooks street, Brooklyn, 0181 or (by fax) 086 640-7591

The due date by when submissions must reach us is 2006-01-13 (January 13, 2006)