.za domain namespace sees surge of domain name registrations during pandemic

.za domain namespace

sees surge of domain name registrations during pandemic

According to reports, local organisations have accelerated digital transformation projects in the past few years. While there is a plethora of digital platforms available for businesses, a website still remains critical to assist businesses connect to stakeholders. Molehe Wesi, CEO of the .za Domain Name Authority (.ZADNA) talks to SA BUSINESS INTEGRATOR about the crucial role it plays for businesses on a local and global level.

What are .ZADNA's key responsibilities?

Our mandate is derived from the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act (2002), through which the Authority has to administer and regulate the .za domain namespace. Furthermore, the Authority must ensure the namespace complies with international best practices, raise public awareness on various namespace issues, conduct research and advise the Minister on policy matters relating to the .za domain namespace.

Since the start of the pandemic, organisations have had to accelerate digital transformation. What has the impact been on .ZADNA?

As devastating as the pandemic was on many organisations and individuals, it also accelerated others’ digital transformation and digitalisation journeys. As an effort to reposition themselves and ensure they ‘survive’ the effects of the lockdown restrictions, most looked to the internet, which resulted in a surge of domain name registrations.

A .za domain name has several benefits for SMMEs, the main one being establishing their digital presence.

While websites and having a recognisable domain is standard for major corporations, what is the statistic when it comes to SMMEs?

It is very difficult to determine this statistic; however, anecdotal data indicates that most SMMEs use free platforms offered by email and social media platforms.

How can using the .za domain assist SMMEs in gaining traction?

A .za domain name has several benefits for

SMMEs, the main one being establishing their digital presence. Once this is in place it will translate to the accessibility of the SMME being improved and their brand being protected by South African legislation.

To help encourage SMMEs we have partnered with stakeholders to help empower small businesses through a variety of initiatives. An example of one of the initiatives we run is the Registrar Reseller Training programme, which aims to empower women, youth, persons with disabilities, SMMEs and Individuals on how to become a domain Registrar or Reseller. This training is offered free of charge and participants learn about the .ZA domain name industry and how to become a .ZA Domain Reseller or

As a regulator, we are able to change processes in line with legislation and without infringing on anyone’s constitutional right to enhance the protection of .za domain name holders.

Molehe Wesi, CEO of the .za Domain Name Authority (.ZADNA) Registrar. Through this initiative we aim to help empower SMMEs through information about the various opportunities available under .ZA namespace. As a socially responsible entity, programmes such as these play a critical role in enabling access to the industry to individuals who would not have previously had access to this information.

What are key opportunities for .ZADNA (and businesses) during this digital age?

There are many opportunities, but I will try to be concise. The first one is the prevalence of technology, which translates to improved access to it; this is technological innovation like cloud computing, automation, and cybersecurity, to mention a few.

If you take cloud computing, for instance, organisations can now remove the burden of infrastructure ownership from themselves so that they can focus on their core business.

These technological innovations have been shown to present organisations with a unique opportunity to reinvent their business models and operating models, or even start up new businesses.

What role does .ZADNA play in providing .za domain holders support for cyber security issues? And, how does your experience in this field help .ZADNA enable proactive change in terms of cyber security?

As a regulator, we are able to change processes in line with legislation and without infringing on anyone’s constitutional right to enhance the

protection of .za domain name holders.

We also use our international standing to influence international best practices and policy positions. My experience assists in guiding the solid and experienced team I have the privilege of leading. This team is being expanded with knowledgeable individuals that will continue protecting the South African domain namespace while we increase it.

What are some of the major highlights and challenges since you started at .ZADNA?

The highlight would be experiencing the growth potential of the .za domain namespace, and this was crucial to show the Authority what is possible. We still have a lot of work ahead of us despite being the largest Country Code Top Level Domain Manager in Africa.

Of course, 2021 came with its challenges, one for the Authority being limited to conduct community engagements and outreaches, which is fundamental to our mandate. I know it could be argued that we could have used digital or virtual, but this would have excluded the majority of South Africans.

With digitisation being at the forefront of the global world, how do you see the role expanding that .ZADNA plays?

The role of the Authority will be more crucial by providing enabling regulatory framework that improves the inclusion of the marginalised while we protect the vulnerable in the digital space and the .za domain namespace. 

Molehe Wesi, .ZADNA CEO

Molehe Wesi is the current Chief Executive Officer for the ZA Domain Name Authority, which is the ccTLD Manager of the .ZA namespace entrusted with the administration and management thereof. Wesi is an established ICT leader with a wealth of knowledge and experience; he also occupies oversight and governance roles in the Technical and Vocational Education space in South Africa. He is also an occasional contributor to Lesedi FM’s current affairs programmes as an expert on cybersecurity and 4IR.

About .ZADNA

The .za Domain Name Authority (.ZADNA) is a not-for-profit organisation that manages and regulates the .za namespace. .ZADNA is accountable to the South African Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, but does not receive government funding. ZADNA strives to strengthen relations and engagements with the .za stakeholders and ensure that collaborative efforts are pursued, and the namespace remains competitive and robust.

.ZADNA is committed to working closely with key stakeholders and facilitating engagements that drive the advancement of the .za namespace. Furthermore, .ZADNA collaborates with its key stakeholder through various means to ensure that its direct and indirect stakeholders, local and international partners, and .za collaborators across the globe contribute in matters of the South African internet space.

For more information, please visit: www.zadna.org.za