Registry Seeks Operator for .za Domains
The .zadna registry has issued a request for proposals to run registry services for four South African domain extensions ahead of its current agreement's expiry.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Data Centers
The .zadna issued Request for Proposals reference RFPZA2026/05 for registry services covering the .co.za, .web.za, .net.za and .org.za domains. The current Registry Operator Agreement expires in September 2027.
Why it matters
The procurement is being undertaken ahead of the expiry of the current Registry Operator Agreement, so a new operator must be in place to keep these domains running. The appointed operator will handle technical and operational delivery while .zadna keeps its statutory regulatory and oversight responsibilities.
The RFP anticipates a ten-year contract period, replacing the current Registry Operator Agreement that expires in September 2027. Bidder selection has not been announced, and the appointment is subject to governance approvals, due diligence and contract conclusion.
The players
.zadna
The .zadna is the South African domain name authority responsible for regulating and administering the .za domain space.
Adv. Lerato Seema
Adv. Lerato Seema is the Acting Chief Executive Officer of .zadna.
The details
The request invites service providers from the ICT and domain name sectors to submit proposals. Bidders must demonstrate contributions to localisation, skills development, supplier participation and transformation, and the RFP sets out transition requirements covering data migration, registrar testing, parallel operation, cutover and post-implementation stabilisation.
Timeline
2 November 2026: RFP issued.
20 November 2026 at 11h00: Compulsory online briefing session.
30 November 2026: Clarification closing date.
14 December 2026 at 12h00 SAST: Proposal submission deadline.
September 2027: Current Registry Operator Agreement expires.
Big Picture
The procurement is a renewal of the registry arrangement governed by the current Registry Operator Agreement, which expires in September 2027. The new ten-year contract would succeed that agreement and set the operator for the .za domain space for the following decade.
Websites using .co.za, .web.za, .net.za and .org.za addresses should see no immediate change, as the current operator remains in place until the agreement expires in September 2027. The eventual operator will shape how these domains are run, including registrar testing and data migration during the transition.
The takeaway
Domain registry operation is a long-term infrastructure commitment, and the transition process matters as much as the choice of operator. Stakeholders tracking .za domains should watch the briefing and evaluation milestones leading to the 2027 handover.
What happens next
The compulsory online briefing takes place on 20 November 2026, and proposals are due by 14 December 2026 at 12h00 SAST.
Further reading
Explore more on Data Centers to see how domain registry infrastructure fits into the wider digital landscape.
