Call for new Domain Name Authority directors
The ".za" Domain Name Authority was established in terms of the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act and the authority's objectives are to administer and manage the domain's name space.
Speaking to BuaNews on Tuesday, the Department of Communications (DOC) spokesperson Albi Modise said the new board of directors, which replace the outgoing directors, will act as an adjudication authority in instances where a domain name dispute arose.
"It makes it very difficult to organise and regulate domain names and who controls them if you don't bring in a separate entity," said Mr Modise.
He said if the domains were not controlled properly there was a danger of "cyber-squatting".
Cyber-squatting is when a person creates for example, a Mandela.co.za domain, blocking the real Nelson Mandela from establishing a domain for himself. The person would then have to buy the domain name from the cyber-squatter.
The appointment of the board, which will have authority over the ".za", "org.za" and "gov.za" domains, will be drawn from various sectors including academics, legal experts, science, technology and engineering, the internet community, culture and language and the public sector.
Mr Modise said they had to include a broad spectrum of stakeholders to ensure the board's competency in dealing with any disputes.
The invitation was published in the Government Gazette last week and is in line with the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act (ECT Act) 2002.
The Act stipulates that the minister has the authority to invite nominations from members of the public to the Board of Directors of ".za" Domain Name Authority.
Ms Matsepe-Casaburri appointed Dr Sebileto Mokone-Matabane (Chairperson), and Directors, Mike Lawrie, Zodwa Manase, Allan Cawood and Solomon Ngubane to serve on the independent selection panel who will recommend the nine names to be appointed to the board.
The nine directors, who will be elected next month, will replace the outgoing board members whose term ends in August this year.
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