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Overview of Namespace ZA and Governance of .za ccTLD

This document provides a comprehensive history and current status of the .za ccTLD, detailing its delegation from J. Postel to Mike Lawrie, the formation of Namespace ZA, and the existing structure of second-level domains (SLDs). It discusses the administrative challenges, regulatory issues, and the conflict between government control and community representation. The document emphasizes the importance of adhering to RFC 1591 and ICP-1 for redelegation, and the ongoing struggle for user community involvement amidst political pressures.

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Overview of Namespace ZA and Governance of .za ccTLD

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  1. .za UPDATE Michael Silber Chairperson Namespace ZA

  2. .za – Brief History • Delegation by J Postel to Vic Shaw (head of Uninet) • Redelegation to Mike Lawrie (1994) • 1999 - request by ML to ISOC-ZA to propose an organisation as his replacement • 2001 – formation of Namespace ZA

  3. .za – Current Structure • “Thin” ccTLD • 14 SLDs • Each SLD delegated to a different administrator (practically not policy) • Many SLDs have questionable relevance

  4. .za Structure cont. • Uniforum SA administers .co.za (commercial) with +/- 120 000 registrations accounting for 95%+ of .za registrations • 2,6 – 2,8 million users – • 900 000 academic • 1,2 – 1,4 million commercial • 500 000 dial-up (individuals and small business)

  5. .za Status • ML still administrator (ICP-1 / contract, Govt. request etc) • If ML is prevented by ZA law for administering AND no redelegation THEN .za will disappear • Accusations of “threats” by ML • Move of the primary off-shore

  6. Government Consultation • DG of ZA DoC agreed to sit on ISOC-ZA drafting committee • Numerous discussions, delayed process • Appointed seat on Namespace Board – rejected • Numerous formal and informal discussions

  7. Government Process • Part of eCommerce legislation process • 1999 consultant’s report • 2000 “green paper” • 2001 consultative conference – rejects government control of the ccTLD • 2002 draft legislation

  8. Criticism of Legislation • Have learnt from our submissions over the years – allegedly independent organisation BUT – • Board appointed by the Minister • Finances controlled by Minister • Regulations made by Minister (including over technical issues vs IETF) • Subservient to ICANN in all respects • SLD management licensed and all existing managers must reapply

  9. Main Criticisms • Ignores RFC 1591 and ICP-1 • Ignores current administrator • Ignores vested rights (including SLD rights) • Ignores user community • Ignores international ccTLD redelegation process

  10. Negotiations • Submissions, negotiations etc have resulted in an improved Bill, BUT • Minister still controls Board (now through a nominating panel) • Minister still regulates (though not on technical issues) and controls finances • No member/user community involvement – rather “user communities”

  11. Main Conflict • Democracy vs representivity • “digital divide” – existing users vs potential users • Government involvement vs government control • Distrust of industry / Internet community • Racial issues or “racialised” issues?

  12. Status of Legislation • Passed by National Assembly • Before National Council of Provinces on Tuesday 25/6/2002 • No amendments – notwithstanding discussions • To President for signature

  13. Our Requests • Ignore the politicing and racialisation • Refuse to redelegate other than strictly in accordance with RFC1591 (and ICP-1) • Pressure (formal/informal) both Internet community and governments • Awareness – watch your own back (particularly in Africa but not exclusively).

  14. Other issues to note • Crypto register (extra-territorial) • Critical databases • Consumer protection (extra-territorial) • Signature accreditation by Government in some circumstances • Govt LOVES Stuart Lynn’s paper but ignores developments thereafter

  15. Thanks you • For your emotional and practical support to date • For assistance in putting together our review of Government involvement in ccTLD’s worldwide • For not accepting the hysteria • For acting as role models

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