Zones
When registering a domain name, it’s important to choose the right domain zone that suits your needs. Different domain zones serve specific purposes, and each one has its own rules and requirements for registration.
The .za Domain Name Authority (ZADNA) is the statutory regulator and manager of the .za namespace. Its mandate includes regulating all the operators of .za second level domains (SLDs), including org.za, co.za, gov.za and net.za.
The co.za zone file was first created on 4 June 1993 and began accepting manual applications shortly after that. By the beginning of 1995, registrations were possible through the now Legacy System which incorporated the use of email and SMTP to process requests and changes to the zone file. In 2013 the co.za name space underwent a change which to this day allows registrars to integrate with the registry through the Extensible Provisioning Protocol and manage their domain names.
Why register a co.za?
The co.za domain is South Africa’s most recognised and trusted commercial domain extension. It’s the go-to choice for businesses, entrepreneurs, and startups seeking a professional and locally relevant digital identity. With strong local SEO performance, wide brand recognition, and a well-established reputation, co.za provides unmatched credibility compared to niche alternatives like net.za, web.za, and org.za, which serve more specific sectors.
Registering a co.za Domain Name
Accredited Registrars
In order to register a new co.za domain name, an Accredited Registrar must be used. ZARC provides a complete list of co.za Accredited Registrars.
Fee Schedule
All co.za domain names are subject to registration and renewal fees. Please note that only ZARC Accredited Registrars have access to the wholesale pricing. Registrants must speak to their registrars regarding fees.
Dispute Resolution
Some domain name may be subject to disputes due to the current owner not having any rights to the domain name. All disputes are resolved in accordance to the Dispute Resolution Policy.
For Registrars
co.za Charter
The charter was developed by the ZA Domain Name Authority (ZADNA) and governs the reason and direction for the co.za name space.
Become a co.za accredited registrar
Under the new Shared Registry System (SRS), accreditation is no longer done per second-level domain. A single accreditation now provides access to co.za, org.za, net.za, and web.za.
The .ZA Domain Name Authority (ZADNA) is the statutory regulator and manager of the .ZA namespace. Its mandate includes regulating all the operators of .ZA second level domains (SLDs), including org.za, co.za, gov.za and net.za.
In August 2013, ZADNA published the org.za and net.za charters for public comment and signaled its intention to transfer the operations of org.za and net.za from the current operator to the ZA Registry Consortium (ZARC), formerly known as UniForum SA.
Following the consideration of submissions received from last year’s org.za and net.za public consultation, the ZADNA Board of Directors has approved the final charters for org.za and net.za, and has resolved that the administration of the org.za and net.za SLDs must be be transitioned to the ZARC.
why register an org.za?
The org.za domain is perfect for non-profits, charities, community organisations, and public interest initiatives aiming to establish a credible online presence. It reinforces purpose-driven branding, boosts local search visibility, and builds trust with stakeholders—helping attract donors, volunteers, and broader community support.
Registering a New Org.Za Domain Name
Accredited Registrars
In order to register a new org.za domain name, an Accredited Registrar must be used. The ZARC provides a complete list of org.za Accredited Registrars in the earlier link.
Fee Schedule
All org.za domain names are subject to registration and renewal fees. Please note that only ZARC Accredited Registrars have access to the wholesale pricing. Registrants must speak to their registrars regarding fees.
Dispute Resolution
Some domain name may be subject to disputes due to the current owner not having any rights to the domain name. All disputes are resolved in accordance to the Dispute Resolution Policy.
For Registrars
Become an Org.Za Accredited Registrar
Registrars wishing to become org.za Accredited Registrars can do so by following Step 4 of the Registrar Onboarding Procedure and activating their org.za Live Credentials.
Policies & Procedures
Under the new Shared Registry System (SRS), accreditation is no longer done per second-level domain. A single accreditation now provides access to co.za, org.za, net.za, and web.za.
The .za Domain Name Authority (ZADNA) is the statutory regulator and manager of the .za namespace. Its mandate includes regulating all the operators of .za second level domains (SLDs), including org.za, co.za, gov.za and net.za.
In August 2013, ZADNA published the org.za and net.za charters for public comment and signaled its intention to transfer the operations of org.za and net.za from the current operator to the ZA Registry Consortium (ZARC), formerly known as UniForum SA.
Following the consideration of submissions received from last year’s org.za and net.za public consultation, the ZADNA Board of Directors has approved the final charters for org.za and net.za, and has resolved that the administration of the org.za and net.za SLDs must be be transitioned to the ZARC.
why register a net.za?
The net.za domain is tailored for internet service providers, tech companies, and networking professionals who want a distinctly South African digital identity. Ideal for those offering technical or infrastructure-related services, net.za enhances brand credibility, strengthens local SEO, and signals your alignment with South Africa’s growing tech and digital services sector.
Registering a New NET.Za Domain Name
Accredited Registrars
In order to register a new net.za domain name, an Accredited Registrar must be used. The ZARC provides a complete list of net.za Accredited Registrars in the earlier link.
Fee Schedule
All net.za domain names are subject to registration and renewal fees. Please note that only ZARC Accredited Registrars have access to the wholesale pricing. Registrants must speak to their registrars regarding fees.
Dispute Resolution
Some domain name may be subject to disputes due to the current owner not having any rights to the domain name. All disputes are resolved in accordance to the Dispute Resolution Policy.
For Registrars
Become a Net.Za Accredited Registrar
Registrars wishing to become net.za Accredited Registrars can do so by following Step 4 of the Registrar Onboarding Procedure and activating their net.za Live Credentials.
Policies & Procedures
Under the new Shared Registry System (SRS), accreditation is no longer done per second-level domain. A single accreditation now provides access to co.za, org.za, net.za, and web.za.
In September 2013, the .ZA Domain Name Authority (ZADNA) published three (3) SLD charters for public comment. One of the charters related to the re-launch of the web.za SLD with a view of maintaining the SLD as an un-restricted and un-moderated domain.
ZADNA has subsequently finalised the web.za charter and has appointed the ZA Registry Consortium Pty Ltd (ZARC) to transfer the SLD onto the Registry EPP system and to make it available to ZA Accredited Registrars through a suitable launch program. The intended purpose and scope of the SLD is outlined in the charter available on the ZADNA web site.
Why register a web.za?
The web.za domain offers a flexible and cost-effective solution for individuals, small businesses, startups, and NGOs looking to secure a uniquely South African digital footprint. It provides solid local SEO benefits, positions your brand within a trusted namespace, and supports visibility in a community-focused online space.
Registering a New Web.Za Domain Name
Accredited Registrars
In order to register a new web.za domain name, an Accredited Registrar must be used. The ZARC provides a complete list of web.za Accredited Registrars in the earlier link.
Fee Schedule
All web.za domain names are subject to registration and renewal fees. Please note that only ZARC Accredited Registrars have access to the wholesale pricing. Registrants must speak to their registrars regarding fees.
Dispute Resolution
Some domain name may be subject to disputes due to the current owner not having any rights to the domain name. All disputes are resolved in accordance to the Dispute Resolution Policy.
For Registrars
Become a Web.Za Accredited Registrar
Registrars wishing to become a web.za Accredited Registrars can do so by following Step 4 of the Registrar Onboarding Procedure and activating their web.za Live Credentials.
Policies & Procedures
Under the new Shared Registry System (SRS), accreditation is no longer done per second-level domain. A single accreditation now provides access to co.za, org.za, net.za, and web.za.