Big changes coming to DStv in South Africa

Johannesburg – DStv is set to overhaul its South African streaming packages from 17 September 2026, introducing a simplified structure that includes a dedicated sports package and a cheaper entry-level option.

According to BusinessTech, leaked details from DStv’s website indicate that the new streaming-only packages will be Starter at R99 a month, Select at R299, Sports at R399, Movies & Series at R500 and Premium at R799.

The Starter package will offer 85 channels, while Select will have 100 channels. The new Sports and Movies & Series packages will each offer 115 channels, with Premium providing 130 channels.

The introduction of a standalone sports package marks a significant shift in DStv’s approach, as subscribers will be able to choose packages based more directly on their viewing preferences rather than having to take higher-priced packages for access to premium sports content.

MultiChoice has not officially confirmed the leaked package details. The company told MyBroadband that any changes would be communicated to customers “in good time”, while noting that some subscribers may see differences in package names as part of ongoing product testing. The company stressed that there is currently “no change to customers’ current subscriptions or the content they receive”.

Struggling South African business

The changes come after Canal+ took control of MultiChoice in 2025 and began pushing for a simpler and more affordable DStv offering.

As reported by The Citizen in April, Canal+ Africa CEO David Mignot criticised the complexity of DStv’s existing structure, pointing to “17 different price points” depending on factors such as technology and package choice.

Canal+ has identified simplifying DStv’s commercial offering as a key part of its strategy to revive MultiChoice’s struggling South African business. The company has also committed a R1.9 billion boost plan to the business, with clearer pricing and lower barriers to entry among its priorities.

DStv has already taken steps towards strengthening its lower-priced offerings. In January, the company announced that its Access package would permanently receive additional channels, including Trace Ngoma, Trace Gospel and WWE, while also cutting decoder prices to make the service more accessible.

The latest changes are focused specifically on streaming packages and do not represent confirmed changes to satellite decoder subscriptions.

DStv’s current online store already advertises streaming options from R99 a month, while Premium streaming is listed from R699, highlighting the continuing shift towards more flexible, digital viewing options.

The planned restructuring comes as traditional pay-TV operators face increasing pressure from streaming services, changing consumer habits and affordability concerns. For DStv, the new package structure represents an attempt to make its offering easier to understand while allowing customers to pay for the content they actually want.