DStv’s biggest shake-up in 15 years: Here’s what’s changing

DStv

Johannesburg – MultiChoice is overhauling DStv with a new package structure, additional channels and a new visual identity, in what the company says is its biggest rethink of the pay-TV service in 15 years.

MultiChoice CEO Willington Ngwepe unveiled the changes at a media event in Randburg on Monday, saying DStv’s existing 15-year-old package structure no longer matched changing customer expectations.

He said “value perception and limited choice” were among the key reasons customers were leaving the service.

Ngwepe said the company had responded by creating a “modernised, customer-centric package, with greater choice and differentiation”.

The new packages will launch in South Africa from 17 September 2026, with prices ranging from R99 to R799 a month.

The new line-up includes Starter at R99, Select at R299, Sports at R399, Movies & Series at R500 and Premium at R799. Premium customers will continue to get major sports offerings, including Formula 1, MotoGP, Springbok rugby, golf and ATP tennis.

The changes follow a major restructuring of MultiChoice’s streaming strategy. Earlier this year, the company shut down Showmax, moving many of its original productions and selected content into DStv Stream.

DStv’s own website said the Showmax app was discontinued to create “a single place to watch more entertainment in one app”, combining Showmax Originals with live television, sport and other entertainment.

Canal+, which acquired MultiChoice in 2025, said Showmax’s substantial annual losses had become unsustainable. The group said the decision formed part of efforts to improve financial discipline and optimise investment in an increasingly competitive streaming market.

The DStv revamp also comes with a new black-and-white visual identity, replacing its traditional blue branding. However, Ngwepe stressed that the changes were not a “Canal+ rebrand in disguise”, with DStv remaining an important brand for the group.

The broadcaster has also been reshaping its channel offering.

Newsday reported that several channels are being discontinued while SuperSport’s former variety channels have been reorganised into more specialised offerings, including SuperSport Football Plus, SuperSport KickOff, SuperSport Africa and SuperSport Action.

MultiChoice’s head of content, Renee Jacobs, described the changes as “a new era for DStv”, adding that the service could now benefit from Canal+’s global scale and reach. “So expect more,” she said.

The restructuring reflects the growing pressure on traditional pay-TV services as consumers increasingly shift towards streaming and more flexible entertainment options.

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