{"id":1776,"date":"2025-04-16T11:24:22","date_gmt":"2025-04-16T11:24:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/telahosting.co.za\/blog\/?p=1776"},"modified":"2025-11-28T07:10:34","modified_gmt":"2025-11-28T07:10:34","slug":"how-to-set-up-dns-records-for-a-za-domain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/telahosting.co.za\/blog\/how-to-set-up-dns-records-for-a-za-domain\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Set Up DNS Records for a .za Domain"},"content":{"rendered":"<article class=\"text-token-text-primary w-full sm:AIPRM__conversation__response\" dir=\"auto\" data-testid=\"conversation-turn-6\" data-scroll-anchor=\"false\">\n<div class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto py-5 [--thread-content-margin:--spacing(4)] @[37rem]:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(6)] @[70rem]:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(12)] px-(--thread-content-margin)\">\n<div class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:32rem] @[34rem]:[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @[64rem]:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto flex max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 text-base gap-4 md:gap-5 lg:gap-6 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden\">\n<div class=\"group\/conversation-turn relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-col gap-1 md:gap-3\">\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\">\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5 AIPRM__conversation__response\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"deb09ed2-9440-4b4e-a4d3-0f7052816877\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-4o\">\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[3px]\">\n<div class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full break-words light\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"71\" data-end=\"570\"><img data-dominant-color=\"545058\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #545058;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-2983 not-transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/How-to-Set-Up-DNS-Records-for-a-.za-Domain-711x400.avif\" alt=\"How to Set Up DNS Records for a .za Domain\" width=\"711\" height=\"400\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/How-to-Set-Up-DNS-Records-for-a-.za-Domain-711x400.avif 711w, https:\/\/telahosting.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/How-to-Set-Up-DNS-Records-for-a-.za-Domain-768x432.avif 768w, https:\/\/telahosting.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/How-to-Set-Up-DNS-Records-for-a-.za-Domain.avif 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 711px) 100vw, 711px\" \/>Setting up DNS records for your <a href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.za\/blog\/what-is-a-za-domain-a-complete-guide-for-south-africans\/\">.za domain<\/a> might sound like a task reserved for techies, but the truth is, it\u2019s not as complicated as it seems. If you&#8217;re running a <a href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.za\/blog\/com-vs-co-za-which-one-should-your-business-use\/\">business,<\/a> starting a blog, or creating a brand in South Africa, understanding how to properly configure your <a href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.za\/blog\/how-domain-names-work\/\">domain name<\/a> settings is super important. Why? Because DNS records are like the traffic controllers of the internet. They tell your domain name where to go, whether that\u2019s your website, your email server, or even third-party services.<\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_81 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"cursor:pointer\">Page Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.za\/blog\/how-to-set-up-dns-records-for-a-za-domain\/#What_are_DNS_Records\" >What are DNS Records?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.za\/blog\/how-to-set-up-dns-records-for-a-za-domain\/#Why_DNS_Records_are_Important_for_Your_za_Domain\" >Why DNS Records are Important for Your .za Domain<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.za\/blog\/how-to-set-up-dns-records-for-a-za-domain\/#Understanding_the_Basics_of_a_za_Domain\" >Understanding the Basics of a .za Domain<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.za\/blog\/how-to-set-up-dns-records-for-a-za-domain\/#What_is_a_za_Domain\" >What is a .za Domain?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.za\/blog\/how-to-set-up-dns-records-for-a-za-domain\/#Benefits_of_Using_a_za_Domain_for_South_African_Businesses\" >Benefits of Using a .za Domain for South African Businesses<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.za\/blog\/how-to-set-up-dns-records-for-a-za-domain\/#What_You_Need_Before_Setting_Up_DNS_Records\" >What You Need Before Setting Up DNS Records<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.za\/blog\/how-to-set-up-dns-records-for-a-za-domain\/#1_Domain_Registration_with_a_Trusted_Registrar\" >1. Domain Registration with a Trusted Registrar<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.za\/blog\/how-to-set-up-dns-records-for-a-za-domain\/#2_Access_to_Your_DNS_Hosting_Provider_or_Control_Panel\" >2. Access to Your DNS Hosting Provider or Control Panel<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.za\/blog\/how-to-set-up-dns-records-for-a-za-domain\/#Different_Types_of_DNS_Records_You_Should_Know\" >Different Types of DNS Records You Should Know<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.za\/blog\/how-to-set-up-dns-records-for-a-za-domain\/#1_A_Record_%E2%80%93_The_Address_Pointer\" >1.\u00a0 A Record \u2013 The Address Pointer<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.za\/blog\/how-to-set-up-dns-records-for-a-za-domain\/#2_CNAME_Record_%E2%80%93_The_Nickname_Redirector\" >2. CNAME Record \u2013 The Nickname Redirector<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.za\/blog\/how-to-set-up-dns-records-for-a-za-domain\/#3_MX_Record_%E2%80%93_Your_Emails_GPS\" >3. MX Record \u2013 Your Email&#8217;s GPS<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.za\/blog\/how-to-set-up-dns-records-for-a-za-domain\/#4_TXT_Record_%E2%80%93_The_Swiss_Army_Knife\" >4. TXT Record \u2013 The Swiss Army Knife<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.za\/blog\/how-to-set-up-dns-records-for-a-za-domain\/#5_NS_Record_%E2%80%93_The_DNS_Boss\" >5. NS Record \u2013 The DNS Boss<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.za\/blog\/how-to-set-up-dns-records-for-a-za-domain\/#Step-by-Step_Guide_to_Setting_Up_DNS_Records_for_a_za_Domain\" >Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up DNS Records for a .za Domain<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.za\/blog\/how-to-set-up-dns-records-for-a-za-domain\/#Step_1_Log_into_Your_Domain_Registrars_Dashboard\" >Step 1: Log into Your Domain Registrar\u2019s Dashboard<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.za\/blog\/how-to-set-up-dns-records-for-a-za-domain\/#Step_2_Locate_Your_DNS_Management_or_Settings_Page\" >Step 2: Locate Your DNS Management or Settings Page<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.za\/blog\/how-to-set-up-dns-records-for-a-za-domain\/#Step_3_Add_or_Modify_DNS_Records_Based_on_Your_Needs\" >Step 3: Add or Modify DNS Records Based on Your Needs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.za\/blog\/how-to-set-up-dns-records-for-a-za-domain\/#Step_4_Save_Your_Changes_and_Allow_Propagation_Time\" >Step 4: Save Your Changes and Allow Propagation Time<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.za\/blog\/how-to-set-up-dns-records-for-a-za-domain\/#Common_DNS_Record_Configurations_for_a_za_Domain\" >Common DNS Record Configurations for a .za Domain<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.za\/blog\/how-to-set-up-dns-records-for-a-za-domain\/#1_Setting_Up_A_Record_for_Website_Hosting\" >1.\u00a0 Setting Up A Record for Website Hosting<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.za\/blog\/how-to-set-up-dns-records-for-a-za-domain\/#2_Configuring_CNAME_Records_for_Subdomains\" >2. Configuring CNAME Records for Subdomains<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.za\/blog\/how-to-set-up-dns-records-for-a-za-domain\/#3_Setting_Up_MX_Records_for_Email_Hosting\" >3. Setting Up MX Records for Email Hosting<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.za\/blog\/how-to-set-up-dns-records-for-a-za-domain\/#4_Adding_TXT_Records_for_Verification_and_Security\" >4. Adding TXT Records for Verification and Security<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.za\/blog\/how-to-set-up-dns-records-for-a-za-domain\/#5_Configuring_NS_Records_to_Use_Custom_Nameservers\" >5. Configuring NS Records to Use Custom Nameservers<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.za\/blog\/how-to-set-up-dns-records-for-a-za-domain\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"572\" data-end=\"896\">Imagine you just bought your shiny new domain name, let\u2019s say www.mysouthafricanbrand.za. It looks sleek, professional, and distinctly South African. But when someone types that into their browser, nothing happens. Why? Because without DNS records, your domain is like a phone number with no contact assigned. No one can reach it.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"898\" data-end=\"1218\">We\u2019ll break down what DNS records are, why they matter, and walk you through how to set them up specifically for your .za domain which is the official domain extension for South Africa.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1220\" data-end=\"1457\">Whether you\u2019re using your domain for a website, email, or both, I\u2019ll show you exactly how to get your DNS configured correctly. No jargon. No confusion. Just step-by-step help that gets your digital presence up and running without delay.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1459\" data-end=\"1535\">Ready to get started? Let\u2019s dive in and unlock the power of your .za domain!<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"1542\" data-end=\"1567\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_DNS_Records\"><\/span><strong data-start=\"1542\" data-end=\"1567\">What are DNS Records?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"1569\" data-end=\"1920\"><img data-dominant-color=\"af8b49\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #af8b49;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1790 size-medium aligncenter not-transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/What-Are-DNS-Records-711x400.avif\" alt=\"What Are DNS Records?\" width=\"711\" height=\"400\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/What-Are-DNS-Records-711x400.avif 711w, https:\/\/telahosting.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/What-Are-DNS-Records-768x432.avif 768w, https:\/\/telahosting.co.za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/What-Are-DNS-Records.avif 1366w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 711px) 100vw, 711px\" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1569\" data-end=\"1920\">Okay, before we jump into the \u201chow,\u201d let\u2019s talk about the \u201cwhat.\u201d DNS stands for Domain Name System. Think of it as the internet\u2019s address book. When you type a website name like www.yourbusiness.za into your browser, DNS is what helps connect that name to the actual server (a computer somewhere in the world) that holds your website files.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1922\" data-end=\"2060\">Now, DNS records are specific instructions stored in that address book. They tell your domain what to do and where to go. For example:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2062\" data-end=\"2336\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2062\" data-end=\"2137\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2064\" data-end=\"2137\">An A Record tells your domain which IP address your website lives on.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2138\" data-end=\"2200\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2140\" data-end=\"2200\">A CNAME Record can redirect subdomains to other domains.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2201\" data-end=\"2250\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2203\" data-end=\"2250\">An MX Record controls where your emails go.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2251\" data-end=\"2336\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2253\" data-end=\"2336\">A TXT Record can verify your domain for tools like Google or secure your email.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2338\" data-end=\"2478\">Each of these records plays a unique role, kind of like different players on a football team. Together, they help your domain work smoothly.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"2485\" data-end=\"2538\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_DNS_Records_are_Important_for_Your_za_Domain\"><\/span><strong data-start=\"2485\" data-end=\"2538\">Why DNS Records are Important for Your .za Domain<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2540\" data-end=\"2977\">Let\u2019s say you just bought a .za domain from a <a href=\"http:\/\/telahosting.co.za\">South African registrar<\/a> great move! It\u2019s a strong way to show your business is proudly South African, builds trust with local customers, and even improves <a href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.za\/blog\/website-seo-in-south-africa\/\">SEO<\/a> for South Africa-based searches. But here\u2019s the catch: without proper DNS records, your domain is just a name. It won\u2019t connect to your website, won\u2019t deliver your emails, and won\u2019t verify with platforms like <a href=\"https:\/\/search.google.com\/search-console\/about\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Google Search Console<\/a> or Facebook Ads.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2979\" data-end=\"3181\">Setting up DNS records is what activates your domain. It\u2019s like setting up the wiring in a new house. You\u2019ve got the address (.za domain), but unless you plug in the lights (DNS records), nobody\u2019s home.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3183\" data-end=\"3494\">And here&#8217;s the good news, once you understand the basics, setting them up takes just a few minutes. You don\u2019t need a degree in computer science. Whether you\u2019re a small business owner, a freelancer, or someone building a personal website, mastering DNS records gives you full control over how your domain behaves.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3496\" data-end=\"3637\">Now that we\u2019ve covered the basics, let\u2019s look into what makes a .za domain unique, and what you need to get started with setting up your DNS.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"text-token-text-primary w-full sm:AIPRM__conversation__response\" dir=\"auto\" data-testid=\"conversation-turn-8\" data-scroll-anchor=\"false\">\n<div class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto py-5 [--thread-content-margin:--spacing(4)] @[37rem]:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(6)] @[70rem]:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(12)] px-(--thread-content-margin)\">\n<div class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:32rem] @[34rem]:[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @[64rem]:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto flex max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 text-base gap-4 md:gap-5 lg:gap-6 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden\">\n<div class=\"group\/conversation-turn relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-col gap-1 md:gap-3\">\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\">\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5 AIPRM__conversation__response\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"411b7cb5-667e-4e61-a67e-0dc7e13735f4\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-4o\">\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[3px]\">\n<div class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full break-words light\">\n<h2 data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"44\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Understanding_the_Basics_of_a_za_Domain\"><\/span><strong data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"44\">Understanding the Basics of a .za Domain<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 data-start=\"51\" data-end=\"76\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_a_za_Domain\"><\/span><strong data-start=\"51\" data-end=\"76\">What is a .za Domain?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"78\" data-end=\"410\">A .za domain is South Africa&#8217;s official <a href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.za\/blog\/country-code-top-level-domains-cctlds\/\">country code top-level domain (ccTLD)<\/a>. It\u2019s South Africa&#8217;s \u201cinternet identity.\u201d Just like the UK uses <strong data-start=\"232\" data-end=\"239\">.<\/strong>uk and Nigeria uses .ng, South Africa uses<strong> .za.<\/strong> When you register a domain that ends in .za, you\u2019re anchoring your online presence in the South African digital space.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"412\" data-end=\"523\">But it gets even more interesting. There are different types of .za domains available depending on the purpose:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"525\" data-end=\"913\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"525\" data-end=\"566\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"527\" data-end=\"566\"><a href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.za\/blog\/com-vs-co-za-which-one-should-your-business-use\/\"><strong data-start=\"527\" data-end=\"538\">.co.za<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 For commercial businesses<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"567\" data-end=\"611\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"569\" data-end=\"611\"><a href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.za\/blog\/org-vs-org-za-which-domain-is-better-for-south-african-ngos\/\"><strong data-start=\"569\" data-end=\"580\">.org.za<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 For non-profit organizations<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"612\" data-end=\"655\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"614\" data-end=\"655\"><a href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.za\/blog\/gov-za-vs-gov-why-south-african-government-institutions-need-gov-za\/\"><strong data-start=\"614\" data-end=\"625\">.gov.za<\/strong>\u00a0<\/a>\u2013 For government institutions<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"734\" data-end=\"808\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"736\" data-end=\"808\"><a href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.za\/blog\/net-vs-net-za-differences-best-use-cases\/\"><strong data-start=\"736\" data-end=\"747\">.net.za<\/strong><\/a> \u2013 For internet service providers or network-focused services<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"915\" data-end=\"1118\">If you\u2019re starting a business or personal brand in South Africa, using a .za domain is not just patriotic, it\u2019s strategic. It shows your audience that you&#8217;re local, reachable, and serious about your brand.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"1125\" data-end=\"1183\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Benefits_of_Using_a_za_Domain_for_South_African_Businesses\"><\/span><strong data-start=\"1125\" data-end=\"1183\">Benefits of Using a .za Domain for South African Businesses<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1185\" data-end=\"1376\"><a href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.za\/blog\/why-choose-a-za-domain-benefits-for-south-african-businesses-individuals\/\">Choosing a .za domain for your business<\/a> comes with a lot of advantages, especially if you&#8217;re targeting customers within South Africa. Let\u2019s break down the key benefits:<\/p>\n<ol data-start=\"1378\" data-end=\"2733\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1378\" data-end=\"1585\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1381\" data-end=\"1585\"><strong data-start=\"1381\" data-end=\"1408\">Stronger Local Identity:<\/strong> Having a .za domain gives your brand a South African stamp. It tells your customers, \u201cWe\u2019re right here with you.\u201d It builds trust, especially for businesses that operate locally.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1587\" data-end=\"1850\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1590\" data-end=\"1850\"><strong data-start=\"1590\" data-end=\"1635\">Improved Search Engine Ranking in South Africa:<\/strong> Google pays attention to domain extensions. So, if your customers are in South Africa, having a .za domain can help your site rank higher on local searches. Think of it like wearing a badge that says \u201cI belong here.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1852\" data-end=\"2052\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1855\" data-end=\"2052\"><strong data-start=\"1855\" data-end=\"1896\">Faster Loading Speeds for Local Users:<\/strong> Many .za <a href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.za\/blog\/add-south-african-websites-in-cpanel\/\">websites<\/a> are hosted on servers within South Africa. This means your site might load faster for South African visitors compared to websites hosted abroad.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2054\" data-end=\"2256\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2057\" data-end=\"2256\"><strong data-start=\"2057\" data-end=\"2079\">Builds Brand Trust:<\/strong> South Africans are getting smarter online. When people see a .za website, they often feel more confident knowing the business is homegrown and likely easier to contact if needed.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2258\" data-end=\"2496\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2261\" data-end=\"2496\"><strong data-start=\"2261\" data-end=\"2296\">Better Domain Name Availability:<\/strong> Because .za is still growing, there&#8217;s a better chance you&#8217;ll find the exact name you want. That perfect brand name might already be taken in .com, but it could be available in .co.za or even .za.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2498\" data-end=\"2733\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2501\" data-end=\"2733\"><strong data-start=\"2501\" data-end=\"2553\">Eligibility for Government or Local Partnerships: <\/strong>Many South African institutions prefer or require partners to use a local domain name. If you\u2019re bidding for contracts or tenders, having a .za domain may actually give you an edge.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2735\" data-end=\"2968\">So, whether you&#8217;re a small business owner in Cape Town, a startup in Free State, or a freelancer in Gauteng, using a .za domain is a smart move for boosting your local presence, gaining trust, and showing that your business is rooted in South Africa.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2970\" data-end=\"3143\">Now that you understand the value of your domain, let\u2019s make sure it\u2019s set up properly. Before diving into the technical steps, let\u2019s cover what you\u2019ll need to have on hand.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"3150\" data-end=\"3197\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_You_Need_Before_Setting_Up_DNS_Records\"><\/span><strong data-start=\"3150\" data-end=\"3197\">What You Need Before Setting Up DNS Records<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 data-start=\"3204\" data-end=\"3252\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Domain_Registration_with_a_Trusted_Registrar\"><\/span><strong data-start=\"3204\" data-end=\"3252\">1. Domain Registration with a Trusted Registrar<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3254\" data-end=\"3572\">First things first, you need to have your .za domain registered. If you haven\u2019t done that yet, you can purchase a domain through any<a href=\"https:\/\/zadna.org.za\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> ZADNA<\/a> accredited registrar like us at <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/telahosting.co.za\">telaHosting<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3656\" data-end=\"3884\">Make sure you buy your domain from a legitimate, accredited source to avoid issues later on. Once you complete the purchase, you\u2019ll receive login details to your registrar&#8217;s control panel. That\u2019s where all the DNS magic happens.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"3891\" data-end=\"3947\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Access_to_Your_DNS_Hosting_Provider_or_Control_Panel\"><\/span><strong data-start=\"3891\" data-end=\"3947\">2. Access to Your DNS Hosting Provider or Control Panel<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3949\" data-end=\"4194\">Some registrars offer DNS hosting by default. This means you can manage DNS records directly within their dashboard. However, some people prefer to use third-party DNS management tools like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cloudflare.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cloudflare<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/cpanel.net\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">cPanel<\/a>, or even <a href=\"https:\/\/domains.google\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Google Domains<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4196\" data-end=\"4447\">Before setting up anything, ensure you know where your DNS is being managed. If you\u2019re unsure, ask your domain registrar\u2019s support team or check your account settings. Once you\u2019re in the right place, you\u2019ll be able to view, add, or update DNS records.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4449\" data-end=\"4491\">Here\u2019s a quick checklist of what you need:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"4493\" data-end=\"4734\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"4493\" data-end=\"4552\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4495\" data-end=\"4552\">Your registrar login (for accessing your domain settings)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"4553\" data-end=\"4605\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4555\" data-end=\"4605\">Your hosting provider\u2019s IP address (for A records)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"4606\" data-end=\"4654\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4608\" data-end=\"4654\">Your email provider\u2019s details (for MX records)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"4655\" data-end=\"4734\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4657\" data-end=\"4734\">Any special instructions from third-party services (for CNAME or TXT records)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4736\" data-end=\"4949\">Once you have everything ready, you&#8217;re all set to begin adding DNS records to make your .za domain work for you, whether it&#8217;s pointing to your website, connecting email services, or verifying with online platforms.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"text-token-text-primary w-full sm:AIPRM__conversation__response\" dir=\"auto\" data-testid=\"conversation-turn-10\" data-scroll-anchor=\"false\">\n<h2 class=\"sr-only\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Different_Types_of_DNS_Records_You_Should_Know\"><\/span><strong style=\"color: #555555; font-size: 14.4px;\" data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"50\">Different Types of DNS Records You Should Know<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto py-5 [--thread-content-margin:--spacing(4)] @[37rem]:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(6)] @[70rem]:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(12)] px-(--thread-content-margin)\">\n<div class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:32rem] @[34rem]:[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @[64rem]:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto flex max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 text-base gap-4 md:gap-5 lg:gap-6 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden\">\n<div class=\"group\/conversation-turn relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-col gap-1 md:gap-3\">\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\">\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5 AIPRM__conversation__response\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"ecc75269-8144-4f72-918a-66d191e1418c\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-4o\">\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[3px]\">\n<div class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full break-words light\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"57\" data-end=\"363\">Before jumping into the setup steps, it&#8217;s super important to understand the different types of DNS records. Each one serves a different purpose, and knowing what they do will help you make better decisions for your .za domain. Don\u2019t worry, I\u2019ll break it down in everyday language so it&#8217;s easy to understand.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_A_Record_%E2%80%93_The_Address_Pointer\"><\/span><strong data-start=\"370\" data-end=\"404\">1.\u00a0 A Record \u2013 The Address Pointer<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"406\" data-end=\"651\">The A record, short for Address Record, is probably the most important DNS record. It tells the internet the exact location of your website by pointing your domain name to an IP address (usually a series of numbers like 196.1.10.20).<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"653\" data-end=\"869\">Think of your domain name like a contact in your phone, and the IP address as the phone number. When someone types in www.mybrand.za, the A record tells the browser, \u201cHey, go to 196.1.10.20 to find this website.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"871\" data-end=\"894\"><strong data-start=\"871\" data-end=\"894\">When do you use it?<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"895\" data-end=\"1033\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"895\" data-end=\"960\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"897\" data-end=\"960\">When connecting your .za domain to a website hosted on a server<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"961\" data-end=\"1033\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"963\" data-end=\"1033\">When pointing subdomains (like shop.mybrand.za) to a specific server<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1035\" data-end=\"1159\"><strong data-start=\"1035\" data-end=\"1047\">Pro tip:<\/strong> Always make sure the IP address you&#8217;re using is correct and current. If it changes, your website could go down.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"1166\" data-end=\"1208\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_CNAME_Record_%E2%80%93_The_Nickname_Redirector\"><\/span><strong data-start=\"1166\" data-end=\"1208\">2. CNAME Record \u2013 The Nickname Redirector<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1210\" data-end=\"1500\">CNAME stands for Canonical Name Record, but don\u2019t let the name scare you. It\u2019s just a way to redirect a subdomain to another domain. Think of it like giving someone a shortcut. Instead of giving them your actual address, you give them a name that leads them to another location.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1502\" data-end=\"1642\">For example, let\u2019s say you want blog.mybrand.za to redirect to your Blogger page or another platform. You\u2019d use a CNAME record to do that.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1644\" data-end=\"1658\"><strong data-start=\"1644\" data-end=\"1658\">Use cases:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1659\" data-end=\"1771\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1659\" data-end=\"1736\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1661\" data-end=\"1736\">Redirecting subdomains like blog, shop, or support to third-party platforms<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1737\" data-end=\"1771\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1739\" data-end=\"1771\">Creating aliases for your domain<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1773\" data-end=\"1872\"><strong data-start=\"1773\" data-end=\"1791\">Important tip:<\/strong> You can\u2019t use a CNAME for your root domain (e.g., mybrand.za), only subdomains.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"1879\" data-end=\"1911\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_MX_Record_%E2%80%93_Your_Emails_GPS\"><\/span><strong data-start=\"1879\" data-end=\"1911\">3. MX Record \u2013 Your Email&#8217;s GPS<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1913\" data-end=\"2109\">MX Records (Mail Exchange Records) handle your domain&#8217;s email routing. If someone sends an email to hello@mybrand.za the MX record tells the internet where that message should be delivered.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2111\" data-end=\"2177\">You\u2019ll often need this when setting up custom email services like:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2178\" data-end=\"2261\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2178\" data-end=\"2196\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2180\" data-end=\"2196\"><a href=\"https:\/\/workspace.google.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Google Workspace<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2197\" data-end=\"2212\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2199\" data-end=\"2212\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.office.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Microsoft 365<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2213\" data-end=\"2224\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2215\" data-end=\"2224\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zoho.com\/mail\/login.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Zoho Mail<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2225\" data-end=\"2261\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2227\" data-end=\"2261\">Webmail from your hosting provider<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2263\" data-end=\"2329\">Each of these services will give you specific MX records to input.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2331\" data-end=\"2369\"><strong data-start=\"2331\" data-end=\"2369\">Here\u2019s what an MX record includes:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2370\" data-end=\"2509\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2370\" data-end=\"2423\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2372\" data-end=\"2423\">A domain or subdomain (usually @\u00a0for root domain)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2424\" data-end=\"2467\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2426\" data-end=\"2467\">Priority (lower number = higher priority)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2468\" data-end=\"2509\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2470\" data-end=\"2509\">Destination (like aspmx.l.google.com)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2511\" data-end=\"2671\"><strong data-start=\"2511\" data-end=\"2526\">Quick note:<\/strong> If your MX records aren\u2019t correct, your emails won\u2019t go anywhere. They\u2019ll just vanish into the internet void. So always double-check your setup.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"2678\" data-end=\"2715\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_TXT_Record_%E2%80%93_The_Swiss_Army_Knife\"><\/span><strong data-start=\"2678\" data-end=\"2715\">4. TXT Record \u2013 The Swiss Army Knife<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2717\" data-end=\"2963\">TXT Records are super flexible. They\u2019re mainly used for verification and security purposes. For instance, when you want to verify your domain with Google Search Console, Facebook Ads, or Microsoft, they\u2019ll usually ask you to add a TXT record.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2965\" data-end=\"3097\">Another common use is for SPF (Sender Policy Framework), which helps prevent spammers from sending fake emails from your domain.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3099\" data-end=\"3118\"><strong data-start=\"3099\" data-end=\"3118\">Why it matters:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3119\" data-end=\"3258\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3119\" data-end=\"3170\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3121\" data-end=\"3170\">Verifies domain ownership with external platforms<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3171\" data-end=\"3212\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3173\" data-end=\"3212\">Protects your domain\u2019s email reputation<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3213\" data-end=\"3258\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3215\" data-end=\"3258\">Helps with SEO and digital marketing setups<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3260\" data-end=\"3341\"><strong data-start=\"3260\" data-end=\"3301\">Example TXT value for email security: <\/strong>v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3343\" data-end=\"3446\">Add this to your domain, and email providers like Gmail will trust emails coming from your domain more.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"3453\" data-end=\"3481\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_NS_Record_%E2%80%93_The_DNS_Boss\"><\/span><strong data-start=\"3453\" data-end=\"3481\">5. NS Record \u2013 The DNS Boss<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3483\" data-end=\"3730\">The NS Record, or Nameserver Record, tells the internet which server is in charge of your domain\u2019s DNS settings. When you switch web hosts or use a third-party DNS provider like Cloudflare, you\u2019ll likely need to change your NS records.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3732\" data-end=\"3756\"><strong data-start=\"3732\" data-end=\"3756\">Example <a href=\"https:\/\/telahosting.co.za\/blog\/how-nameservers-work-for-hosting-sa\/\">nameservers<\/a>:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"3732\" data-end=\"3756\">ns1.myhostingprovider.com<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3732\" data-end=\"3756\">ns2.myhostingprovider.com<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Once you update these, you\u2019re basically saying, \u201cHey internet, go to these servers to find all DNS info for my .za domain.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3943\" data-end=\"3964\"><strong data-start=\"3943\" data-end=\"3964\">Why it&#8217;s crucial:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3965\" data-end=\"4092\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3965\" data-end=\"4020\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3967\" data-end=\"4020\">It defines the place where all other DNS records live<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"4021\" data-end=\"4092\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4023\" data-end=\"4092\">Without correct NS records, none of your other DNS settings will work<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4094\" data-end=\"4192\"><strong data-start=\"4094\" data-end=\"4102\">Tip:<\/strong> Always copy and paste nameservers exactly as provided. Even a tiny typo can break things.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"4199\" data-end=\"4264\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step-by-Step_Guide_to_Setting_Up_DNS_Records_for_a_za_Domain\"><\/span><strong data-start=\"4199\" data-end=\"4264\">Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up DNS Records for a .za Domain<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 data-start=\"4271\" data-end=\"4325\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_1_Log_into_Your_Domain_Registrars_Dashboard\"><\/span><strong data-start=\"4271\" data-end=\"4325\">Step 1: Log into Your Domain Registrar\u2019s Dashboard<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4327\" data-end=\"4521\">First thing\u2019s first, head over to the website of the registrar where you purchased your .za domain e.g., telaHosting.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4523\" data-end=\"4541\">Once you\u2019re there:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"4542\" data-end=\"4645\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"4542\" data-end=\"4565\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4544\" data-end=\"4565\">Find the login button<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"4566\" data-end=\"4606\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4568\" data-end=\"4606\">Enter your username\/email and password<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"4607\" data-end=\"4645\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4609\" data-end=\"4645\">Access your dashboard or domain list<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4647\" data-end=\"4744\">From here, look for your domain name (e.g., mybrand.za) and click on it to manage its settings.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4746\" data-end=\"4971\">If your domain is using the registrar\u2019s default nameservers, you\u2019ll be able to manage DNS records right here. If not, you\u2019ll need to manage them from your web hosting or third-party DNS provider\u2019s dashboard (like Cloudflare).<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"4978\" data-end=\"5033\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_2_Locate_Your_DNS_Management_or_Settings_Page\"><\/span><strong data-start=\"4978\" data-end=\"5033\">Step 2: Locate Your DNS Management or Settings Page<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"5035\" data-end=\"5087\">Once inside your dashboard, look for something like:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"5088\" data-end=\"5146\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"5088\" data-end=\"5104\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"5090\" data-end=\"5104\">DNS Management<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"5105\" data-end=\"5119\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"5107\" data-end=\"5119\">DNS Settings<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"5120\" data-end=\"5132\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"5122\" data-end=\"5132\">Manage DNS<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"5133\" data-end=\"5146\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"5135\" data-end=\"5146\">Zone Editor<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"5148\" data-end=\"5255\">This is where the action happens. This panel lets you add, edit, or delete DNS records for your domain.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"5257\" data-end=\"5431\">Depending on your provider, the layout might look different, but the functions are the same. Most of them have a button that says \u201cAdd Record\u201d or \u201cCreate New Record\u201d.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"5433\" data-end=\"5491\">Click that and get ready to enter your DNS record details.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"5498\" data-end=\"5555\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_3_Add_or_Modify_DNS_Records_Based_on_Your_Needs\"><\/span><strong data-start=\"5498\" data-end=\"5555\">Step 3: Add or Modify DNS Records Based on Your Needs<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"5557\" data-end=\"5706\">This is the part where you enter the info we talked about earlier, A records, CNAMEs, MX records, TXT, and so on. You\u2019ll usually see form fields like:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"5708\" data-end=\"6032\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"5708\" data-end=\"5756\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"5710\" data-end=\"5756\"><strong data-start=\"5710\" data-end=\"5718\">Type: <\/strong>Choose from A, CNAME, MX, TXT, etc.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"5757\" data-end=\"5856\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"5759\" data-end=\"5856\"><strong data-start=\"5759\" data-end=\"5772\">Host\/Name: <\/strong>Usually \u201c@\u201d for the main domain or something like \u201cblog\u201d or \u201cmail\u201d for subdomains<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"5857\" data-end=\"5931\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"5859\" data-end=\"5931\"><strong data-start=\"5859\" data-end=\"5878\">Value\/Points To: <\/strong>The IP address or domain name you&#8217;re connecting to<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"5932\" data-end=\"6032\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"5934\" data-end=\"6032\"><strong data-start=\"5934\" data-end=\"5956\">TTL (Time to Live): <\/strong>How long the info stays cached. 3600 seconds (1 hour) is a good standard.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"6034\" data-end=\"6107\">Be very careful here. Typos or wrong values can break your site or email.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"6114\" data-end=\"6170\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step_4_Save_Your_Changes_and_Allow_Propagation_Time\"><\/span><strong data-start=\"6114\" data-end=\"6170\">Step 4: Save Your Changes and Allow Propagation Time<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"6172\" data-end=\"6319\">After entering your records, always remember to save your changes. Some dashboards may ask you to confirm or submit before the records go live.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"6321\" data-end=\"6555\">Now comes the waiting game. DNS changes don\u2019t take effect immediately. It usually takes between a few minutes to a few hours. In some rare cases, it could take up to 24 hours for the changes to fully propagate across the internet.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"6557\" data-end=\"6590\"><strong data-start=\"6557\" data-end=\"6590\">How to check if it\u2019s working:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"6591\" data-end=\"6768\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"6591\" data-end=\"6647\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"6593\" data-end=\"6647\">Use tools like <a href=\"https:\/\/dnschecker.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">dnschecker.org<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/mxtoolbox.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">MXToolbox.com<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"6648\" data-end=\"6716\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"6650\" data-end=\"6716\">Visit your domain in a browser to see if it points to your website<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"6717\" data-end=\"6768\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"6719\" data-end=\"6768\">Test your email by sending and receiving messages<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"6770\" data-end=\"6866\">Congratulations! You\u2019ve now successfully set up your DNS records for your .za domain like a pro.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"6770\" data-end=\"6866\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Common_DNS_Record_Configurations_for_a_za_Domain\"><\/span><strong>Common DNS Record Configurations for a .za Domain<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"text-token-text-primary w-full sm:AIPRM__conversation__response\" dir=\"auto\" data-testid=\"conversation-turn-12\" data-scroll-anchor=\"true\">\n<div class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto py-5 [--thread-content-margin:--spacing(4)] @[37rem]:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(6)] @[70rem]:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(12)] px-(--thread-content-margin)\">\n<div class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:32rem] @[34rem]:[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @[64rem]:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto flex max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 text-base gap-4 md:gap-5 lg:gap-6 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden\">\n<div class=\"group\/conversation-turn relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\">\n<div class=\"relative flex-col gap-1 md:gap-3\">\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\">\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5 AIPRM__conversation__response\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"0e1d09b7-89f0-4004-bfd0-7371a83847a3\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-4o\">\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[3px]\">\n<div class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full break-words light\">\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Setting_Up_A_Record_for_Website_Hosting\"><\/span><strong data-start=\"60\" data-end=\"103\">1.\u00a0 Setting Up A Record for Website Hosting<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"105\" data-end=\"410\">So, let\u2019s say you\u2019ve just signed up for a hosting service and they\u2019ve sent you an IP address like 196.25.40.82. This is the address where your website files live. To connect your .za domain to that IP address, you need to set up an A Record. Without this, your beautiful website won\u2019t be accessible.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"412\" data-end=\"432\">Here\u2019s how to do it:<\/p>\n<ol data-start=\"434\" data-end=\"892\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"434\" data-end=\"531\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"437\" data-end=\"531\">Log in to your DNS dashboard (this could be your domain registrar or a separate DNS host).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"532\" data-end=\"588\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"535\" data-end=\"588\">Go to the DNS Records or Zone Editor section.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"589\" data-end=\"650\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"592\" data-end=\"650\">Click Add New Record or Edit an existing A record.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"651\" data-end=\"676\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"654\" data-end=\"676\">Choose the type A.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"677\" data-end=\"765\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"680\" data-end=\"765\">For Host\/Name, enter \u201c@\u201d (which represents your root domain, like mybusiness.za).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"766\" data-end=\"842\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"769\" data-end=\"842\">In the Value\/Points To field, type the IP address your host gave you.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"843\" data-end=\"892\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"846\" data-end=\"892\">Set TTL to default (usually 3600 seconds).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"894\" data-end=\"935\">Here\u2019s a quick visual layout for clarity:<\/p>\n<div class=\"pointer-events-none relative left-[50%]! flex w-[100cqw] translate-x-[-50%] justify-center *:pointer-events-auto\">\n<div class=\"tableContainer horzScrollShadows\">\n<table class=\"min-w-full\" data-start=\"937\" data-end=\"1098\">\n<thead data-start=\"937\" data-end=\"990\">\n<tr data-start=\"937\" data-end=\"990\">\n<th data-start=\"937\" data-end=\"948\"><strong data-start=\"939\" data-end=\"947\">Type<\/strong><\/th>\n<th data-start=\"948\" data-end=\"959\"><strong data-start=\"950\" data-end=\"958\">Host<\/strong><\/th>\n<th data-start=\"959\" data-end=\"978\"><strong data-start=\"961\" data-end=\"974\">Points To<\/strong><\/th>\n<th data-start=\"978\" data-end=\"990\"><strong data-start=\"980\" data-end=\"987\">TTL<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody data-start=\"1045\" data-end=\"1098\">\n<tr data-start=\"1045\" data-end=\"1098\">\n<td class=\"max-w-[calc(var(--thread-content-max-width)*2\/3)]\" data-start=\"1045\" data-end=\"1056\">A<\/td>\n<td class=\"max-w-[calc(var(--thread-content-max-width)*2\/3)]\" data-start=\"1056\" data-end=\"1067\">@<\/td>\n<td class=\"max-w-[calc(var(--thread-content-max-width)*2\/3)]\" data-start=\"1067\" data-end=\"1086\">196.25.40.82<\/td>\n<td class=\"max-w-[calc(var(--thread-content-max-width)*2\/3)]\" data-start=\"1086\" data-end=\"1098\">3600<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1100\" data-end=\"1244\">Click Save and you\u2019re done! After a little waiting (anywhere between 10 minutes to 24 hours), your domain should start showing your website.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1246\" data-end=\"1428\"><strong data-start=\"1246\" data-end=\"1258\">Pro Tip:<\/strong> If your domain doesn\u2019t show your website after 24 hours, double-check your IP address and make sure your nameservers are correctly pointed to your hosting company\u2019s DNS.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"1435\" data-end=\"1479\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Configuring_CNAME_Records_for_Subdomains\"><\/span><strong data-start=\"1435\" data-end=\"1479\">2. Configuring CNAME Records for Subdomains<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1481\" data-end=\"1674\">Now let\u2019s say you want to run your blog on a subdomain, like blog.mybusiness.ng, and host it on a platform like Blogger or Medium. Instead of using an A record, you&#8217;ll use a CNAME record.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1676\" data-end=\"1780\">The CNAME works like a nickname. Instead of pointing to an IP address, it points to another domain name.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1782\" data-end=\"1806\">Here\u2019s how to set it up:<\/p>\n<ol data-start=\"1808\" data-end=\"2117\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1808\" data-end=\"1854\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1811\" data-end=\"1854\">Head back to your DNS management panel.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1855\" data-end=\"1879\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1858\" data-end=\"1879\">Click Add Record.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1880\" data-end=\"1906\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1883\" data-end=\"1906\">Choose Type: CNAME.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1907\" data-end=\"1975\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1910\" data-end=\"1975\">In the Host\/Name field, type blog (this is your subdomain).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1976\" data-end=\"2077\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1979\" data-end=\"2077\">In the Value\/Points To field, enter the URL provided by your blog host, like ghs.google.com.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2078\" data-end=\"2117\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2081\" data-end=\"2117\">TTL stays at default (3600 seconds).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2119\" data-end=\"2152\">Here\u2019s what that might look like:<\/p>\n<div class=\"pointer-events-none relative left-[50%]! flex w-[100cqw] translate-x-[-50%] justify-center *:pointer-events-auto\">\n<div class=\"tableContainer horzScrollShadows\">\n<table class=\"min-w-full\" data-start=\"2154\" data-end=\"2318\">\n<thead data-start=\"2154\" data-end=\"2208\">\n<tr data-start=\"2154\" data-end=\"2208\">\n<th data-start=\"2154\" data-end=\"2165\"><strong data-start=\"2156\" data-end=\"2164\">Type<\/strong><\/th>\n<th data-start=\"2165\" data-end=\"2176\"><strong data-start=\"2167\" data-end=\"2175\">Host<\/strong><\/th>\n<th data-start=\"2176\" data-end=\"2196\"><strong data-start=\"2178\" data-end=\"2191\">Points To<\/strong><\/th>\n<th data-start=\"2196\" data-end=\"2208\"><strong data-start=\"2198\" data-end=\"2205\">TTL<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody data-start=\"2264\" data-end=\"2318\">\n<tr data-start=\"2264\" data-end=\"2318\">\n<td class=\"max-w-[calc(var(--thread-content-max-width)*2\/3)]\" data-start=\"2264\" data-end=\"2275\">CNAME<\/td>\n<td class=\"max-w-[calc(var(--thread-content-max-width)*2\/3)]\" data-start=\"2275\" data-end=\"2286\">blog<\/td>\n<td class=\"max-w-[calc(var(--thread-content-max-width)*2\/3)]\" data-start=\"2286\" data-end=\"2306\">ghs.google.com<\/td>\n<td class=\"max-w-[calc(var(--thread-content-max-width)*2\/3)]\" data-start=\"2306\" data-end=\"2318\">3600<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2320\" data-end=\"2409\"><strong data-start=\"2320\" data-end=\"2334\">Important:<\/strong> CNAMEs cannot be used on the root domain. They\u2019re strictly for subdomains.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"2416\" data-end=\"2459\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Setting_Up_MX_Records_for_Email_Hosting\"><\/span><strong data-start=\"2416\" data-end=\"2459\">3. Setting Up MX Records for Email Hosting<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2461\" data-end=\"2618\">Want a professional email like <a rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"2492\" data-end=\"2510\">info@mybusiness.za <\/a>or <a rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"2514\" data-end=\"2533\">sales@mybusiness.za<\/a>? Then you\u2019ll need MX Records. These tell the internet where to send your emails.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2620\" data-end=\"2652\">Here\u2019s a simplified walkthrough:<\/p>\n<ol data-start=\"2654\" data-end=\"3061\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2654\" data-end=\"2685\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2657\" data-end=\"2685\">Log into your DNS dashboard.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2686\" data-end=\"2721\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2689\" data-end=\"2721\">Find the MX Records section.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2722\" data-end=\"2762\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2725\" data-end=\"2762\">Click Add New Record or Edit.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2763\" data-end=\"2789\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2766\" data-end=\"2789\">Set the Type to MX.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2790\" data-end=\"2828\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2793\" data-end=\"2828\">Use \u201c@\u201d in the Host\/Name field.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2829\" data-end=\"2916\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2832\" data-end=\"2916\">Enter the mail server\u2019s address (your hosting or email provider will give you this).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2917\" data-end=\"3036\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2920\" data-end=\"3036\">Set Priority, lower numbers mean higher priority. If using multiple mail servers, arrange from highest to lowest.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3037\" data-end=\"3061\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3040\" data-end=\"3061\">TTL stays at default.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3063\" data-end=\"3098\">Example for Google Workspace users:<\/p>\n<div class=\"pointer-events-none relative left-[50%]! flex w-[100cqw] translate-x-[-50%] justify-center *:pointer-events-auto\">\n<div class=\"tableContainer horzScrollShadows\">\n<table class=\"min-w-full\" data-start=\"3100\" data-end=\"3494\">\n<thead data-start=\"3100\" data-end=\"3178\">\n<tr data-start=\"3100\" data-end=\"3178\">\n<th data-start=\"3100\" data-end=\"3111\"><strong data-start=\"3102\" data-end=\"3110\">Type<\/strong><\/th>\n<th data-start=\"3111\" data-end=\"3122\"><strong data-start=\"3113\" data-end=\"3121\">Host<\/strong><\/th>\n<th data-start=\"3122\" data-end=\"3151\"><strong data-start=\"3124\" data-end=\"3137\">Points To<\/strong><\/th>\n<th data-start=\"3151\" data-end=\"3166\"><strong data-start=\"3153\" data-end=\"3165\">Priority<\/strong><\/th>\n<th data-start=\"3166\" data-end=\"3178\"><strong data-start=\"3168\" data-end=\"3175\">TTL<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody data-start=\"3258\" data-end=\"3494\">\n<tr data-start=\"3258\" data-end=\"3336\">\n<td class=\"max-w-[calc(var(--thread-content-max-width)*2\/3)]\" data-start=\"3258\" data-end=\"3269\">MX<\/td>\n<td class=\"max-w-[calc(var(--thread-content-max-width)*2\/3)]\" data-start=\"3269\" data-end=\"3280\">@<\/td>\n<td class=\"max-w-[calc(var(--thread-content-max-width)*2\/3)]\" data-start=\"3280\" data-end=\"3309\">aspmx.l.google.com<\/td>\n<td class=\"max-w-[calc(var(--thread-content-max-width)*2\/3)]\" data-start=\"3309\" data-end=\"3324\">1<\/td>\n<td class=\"max-w-[calc(var(--thread-content-max-width)*2\/3)]\" data-start=\"3324\" data-end=\"3336\">3600<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-start=\"3337\" data-end=\"3415\">\n<td class=\"max-w-[calc(var(--thread-content-max-width)*2\/3)]\" data-start=\"3337\" data-end=\"3348\">MX<\/td>\n<td class=\"max-w-[calc(var(--thread-content-max-width)*2\/3)]\" data-start=\"3348\" data-end=\"3359\">@<\/td>\n<td class=\"max-w-[calc(var(--thread-content-max-width)*2\/3)]\" data-start=\"3359\" data-end=\"3388\">alt1.aspmx.l.google.com<\/td>\n<td class=\"max-w-[calc(var(--thread-content-max-width)*2\/3)]\" data-start=\"3388\" data-end=\"3403\">5<\/td>\n<td class=\"max-w-[calc(var(--thread-content-max-width)*2\/3)]\" data-start=\"3403\" data-end=\"3415\">3600<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-start=\"3416\" data-end=\"3494\">\n<td class=\"max-w-[calc(var(--thread-content-max-width)*2\/3)]\" data-start=\"3416\" data-end=\"3427\">MX<\/td>\n<td class=\"max-w-[calc(var(--thread-content-max-width)*2\/3)]\" data-start=\"3427\" data-end=\"3438\">@<\/td>\n<td class=\"max-w-[calc(var(--thread-content-max-width)*2\/3)]\" data-start=\"3438\" data-end=\"3467\">alt2.aspmx.l.google.com<\/td>\n<td class=\"max-w-[calc(var(--thread-content-max-width)*2\/3)]\" data-start=\"3467\" data-end=\"3482\">5<\/td>\n<td class=\"max-w-[calc(var(--thread-content-max-width)*2\/3)]\" data-start=\"3482\" data-end=\"3494\">3600<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3496\" data-end=\"3651\"><strong data-start=\"3496\" data-end=\"3509\">Reminder:<\/strong> You can\u2019t receive emails until this is correctly set up. Also, don\u2019t forget to delete any old or default MX records to avoid delivery issues.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"3658\" data-end=\"3710\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Adding_TXT_Records_for_Verification_and_Security\"><\/span><strong data-start=\"3658\" data-end=\"3710\">4. Adding TXT Records for Verification and Security<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3712\" data-end=\"3879\">TXT Records are used by companies like Google, Microsoft, Facebook, and others to verify ownership of your domain or to enhance security, especially for email.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3881\" data-end=\"3982\">A common use is adding SPF (Sender Policy Framework) to prevent your email from being marked as spam.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3984\" data-end=\"4004\">To add a TXT record:<\/p>\n<ol data-start=\"4006\" data-end=\"4306\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"4006\" data-end=\"4034\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4009\" data-end=\"4034\">Go to your DNS dashboard.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"4035\" data-end=\"4078\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4038\" data-end=\"4078\">Click Add Record and choose TXT.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"4079\" data-end=\"4164\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4082\" data-end=\"4164\">In the Host\/Name field, use \u201c@\u201d or follow the platform&#8217;s specific instruction.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"4165\" data-end=\"4272\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4168\" data-end=\"4272\">In the Value\/Points To, paste the string given to you (e.g.,v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"4273\" data-end=\"4306\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4276\" data-end=\"4306\">TTL: 3600 seconds is standard.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4308\" data-end=\"4316\">Example:<\/p>\n<div class=\"pointer-events-none relative left-[50%]! flex w-[100cqw] translate-x-[-50%] justify-center *:pointer-events-auto\">\n<div class=\"tableContainer horzScrollShadows\">\n<table class=\"min-w-full\" data-start=\"4318\" data-end=\"4554\">\n<thead data-start=\"4318\" data-end=\"4396\">\n<tr data-start=\"4318\" data-end=\"4396\">\n<th data-start=\"4318\" data-end=\"4329\"><strong data-start=\"4320\" data-end=\"4328\">Type<\/strong><\/th>\n<th data-start=\"4329\" data-end=\"4340\"><strong data-start=\"4331\" data-end=\"4339\">Host<\/strong><\/th>\n<th data-start=\"4340\" data-end=\"4384\"><strong data-start=\"4342\" data-end=\"4351\">Value<\/strong><\/th>\n<th data-start=\"4384\" data-end=\"4396\"><strong data-start=\"4386\" data-end=\"4393\">TTL<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody data-start=\"4476\" data-end=\"4554\">\n<tr data-start=\"4476\" data-end=\"4554\">\n<td class=\"max-w-[calc(var(--thread-content-max-width)*2\/3)]\" data-start=\"4476\" data-end=\"4487\">TXT<\/td>\n<td class=\"max-w-[calc(var(--thread-content-max-width)*2\/3)]\" data-start=\"4487\" data-end=\"4498\">@<\/td>\n<td class=\"max-w-[calc(var(--thread-content-max-width)*2\/3)]\" data-start=\"4498\" data-end=\"4542\">v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all<\/td>\n<td class=\"max-w-[calc(var(--thread-content-max-width)*2\/3)]\" data-start=\"4542\" data-end=\"4554\">3600<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4556\" data-end=\"4754\">After saving, give it some time and verify on the platform asking for it. This helps with email delivery, improves security, and allows services like Google Search Console to confirm your ownership.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"4761\" data-end=\"4813\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Configuring_NS_Records_to_Use_Custom_Nameservers\"><\/span><strong data-start=\"4761\" data-end=\"4813\">5. Configuring NS Records to Use Custom Nameservers<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4815\" data-end=\"5024\">By default, your .za domain uses your registrar\u2019s nameservers. But if you want more control or better performance, you might want to switch to custom DNS like Cloudflare or your hosting provider\u2019s nameservers.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"5026\" data-end=\"5037\">Here\u2019s how:<\/p>\n<ol data-start=\"5039\" data-end=\"5213\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"5039\" data-end=\"5096\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"5042\" data-end=\"5096\">Log in to your registrar<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"5097\" data-end=\"5158\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"5100\" data-end=\"5158\">Go to the Nameservers section of your domain settings.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"5159\" data-end=\"5213\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"5162\" data-end=\"5213\">Replace the existing nameservers with the new ones.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"5215\" data-end=\"5223\">Example:<\/p>\n<div class=\"pointer-events-none relative left-[50%]! flex w-[100cqw] translate-x-[-50%] justify-center *:pointer-events-auto\">\n<div class=\"tableContainer horzScrollShadows\">\n<table class=\"min-w-full\" data-start=\"5225\" data-end=\"5404\">\n<thead data-start=\"5225\" data-end=\"5284\">\n<tr data-start=\"5225\" data-end=\"5284\">\n<th data-start=\"5225\" data-end=\"5254\"><strong data-start=\"5227\" data-end=\"5243\">Nameserver 1<\/strong><\/th>\n<th data-start=\"5254\" data-end=\"5284\"><strong data-start=\"5256\" data-end=\"5272\">Nameserver 2<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody data-start=\"5345\" data-end=\"5404\">\n<tr data-start=\"5345\" data-end=\"5404\">\n<td class=\"max-w-[calc(var(--thread-content-max-width)*2\/3)]\" data-start=\"5345\" data-end=\"5374\">ns1.yourhost.com<\/td>\n<td class=\"max-w-[calc(var(--thread-content-max-width)*2\/3)]\" data-start=\"5374\" data-end=\"5404\">ns2.yourhost.com<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"5406\" data-end=\"5571\">After saving the changes, your DNS will now be managed from the new provider\u2019s dashboard. This is where you\u2019ll go to add or update all other DNS records from now on.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"5573\" data-end=\"5735\"><strong data-start=\"5573\" data-end=\"5585\">Warning:<\/strong> Don\u2019t do this unless you\u2019re ready to manage everything from the new provider. Misconfigured NS records can cause downtime for your website and email.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"5742\" data-end=\"5779\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span><strong data-start=\"5742\" data-end=\"5779\">Conclusion<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"5781\" data-end=\"6004\">Setting up DNS records for your .za domain isn\u2019t rocket science, but it is powerful. With just a few simple entries, you can point your domain to a website, set up email, connect marketing tools, and lock in better security.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"6006\" data-end=\"6233\">Whether you\u2019re a small business owner in Gauteng, a creative in Cape Town, or a startup in Limpopo, your .za domain deserves to be more than just a name. It should be your digital headquarters, and now, you know how to build it.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"6235\" data-end=\"6343\">So take a deep breath, log in to your DNS dashboard, and start configuring with confidence. You\u2019ve got this!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Setting up DNS records for your .za domain might sound like a task reserved for techies, but the truth is, it\u2019s not as complicated as it seems. If you&#8217;re running a business, starting a blog, or creating a brand in South Africa, understanding how to properly configure your domain name settings is super important. Why?&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":2983,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[22],"tags":[215,343,319,359,337],"class_list":["post-1776","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-domain","tag-dns","tag-domain-extensions","tag-domain-name","tag-website-maintenance","tag-website-performance"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/telahosting.co.za\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1776","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/telahosting.co.za\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/telahosting.co.za\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/telahosting.co.za\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/telahosting.co.za\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1776"}],"version-history":[{"count":13,"href":"https:\/\/telahosting.co.za\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1776\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2984,"href":"https:\/\/telahosting.co.za\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1776\/revisions\/2984"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/telahosting.co.za\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2983"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/telahosting.co.za\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1776"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/telahosting.co.za\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1776"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/telahosting.co.za\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1776"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}