The .za Domain Name Authority (.zadna) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the provision of registry services for the .co.za, .web.za, .net.za and .org.za second-level domains, formally commencing the procurement process to appoint a Registry Operator for these commercial domains.
The RFP, issued under reference RFPZA2026/05, invites suitably qualified and experienced service providers from the ICT and domain name sectors to submit proposals for the management and administration of the four commercial second-level domains.
The procurement is being undertaken ahead of the expiry of the current Registry Operator Agreement in September 2027. It is intended to secure an operator with the technical capability, operational capacity and financial sustainability required to manage these services over the anticipated ten-year contract period.
“Appointing a Registry Operator is an important decision for the continued operation of the commercial .za domains. We have set out clear requirements for service reliability, security, accountability and local operational capability. The procurement will allow us to assess proposals against these requirements through a structured and competitive process,” says Adv. Lerato Seema, Acting CEO of .zadna.
The RFP places particular emphasis on the security and stability of registry services, South African-based infrastructure and Registry Data, disaster recovery, registrar support and a carefully managed transition from the incumbent operator. It also requires bidders to demonstrate their contribution to localisation, skills development, supplier participation and transformation.
The appointed operator will be responsible for the technical and operational delivery of registry services, while .zadna retains its statutory regulatory, policy-making, audit and oversight responsibilities.
The procurement will follow a staged evaluation process, including mandatory compliance, technical functionality assessment, due diligence, and price and preference evaluation. The anticipated appointment will be subject to the necessary governance approvals, successful due diligence and the conclusion of the required contractual arrangements.
The RFP includes transition requirements covering data migration, registrar testing, parallel operation, cutover and post-implementation stabilisation. These requirements are intended to support an orderly changeover and avoid preventable interruption to domain registrations, renewals, transfers, DNS resolution and related services.
“Continuity of service is central to this procurement. The requirements are designed to ensure that the next operating arrangement is technically sound, accountable and able to support the needs of registrars and the wider .za ecosystem. .zadna will continue to exercise its oversight responsibilities throughout the appointment and transition,” adds Seema.
RFP key dates:
- RFP issued: 2 November 2026
- Compulsory online briefing session: 20 November 2026 at 11h00
- Clarification closing date: 30 November 2026
- Proposal submission deadline: 14 December 2026 at 12h00 SAST
The briefing session is compulsory for prospective bidders. Confirmation of attendance must be sent to [email protected] by 19 November 2026.
The complete RFP is issued under reference RFPZA2026/05. Prospective bidders should consult the RFP for the full scope of work, eligibility requirements, evaluation criteria and submission instructions.
