More South Africans are turning their backs on DStv as affordable and easily accessible streaming platforms tighten their grip on the entertainment market.
The development has become one of the most significant challenges confronting MultiChoice, which continues to battle subscriber losses across all market tiers in its home country.
According to the company’s integrated annual report for the year ended March 31, 2025, DStv’s South African subscriber base fell by 589,000 — an 8 percent overall drop.
Premium and Compact Plus customers declined by 96,000 (9 percent), a trend the company attributed to affordability pressures and growing competition from global and local streaming services. The absence of major sporting events such as the Rugby World Cup also affected retention within the high-end segment.
The mid-market Compact category shed 99,000 subscribers, representing a 5 percent yearly contraction. MultiChoice said this group remains most vulnerable to mounting household debt and stagnant incomes, while cheaper local entertainment options continue to lure viewers away.
In the mass-market Access tier, subscriptions dropped by 394,000 — a 9 percent decrease and the second consecutive yearly decline. The company linked this to persistent load-shedding, inflation, and high unemployment, as well as reduced decoder subsidies designed to cut costs and improve customer quality.
MultiChoice acknowledges the pressure
MultiChoice noted that South African consumers remain under intense financial strain, with unemployment still high and economic growth projections below 1 percent. Although interest rates and inflation are expected to ease, the firm said it will take time before households feel any real relief in disposable income.
The company also pointed to wider industry headwinds, including the global migration toward low-cost streaming, increased social-media consumption among younger viewers, and the rise of free and pirated content.
Canal+ eyes DStv’s revival
Following its recent acquisition of MultiChoice, French media group Canal+ has pledged to reinvigorate DStv by offering subscribers richer African storytelling, sports, and improved value for money.
Canal+ said it is focused on swiftly integrating operations with MultiChoice to deliver long-term benefits to subscribers. Current offerings and content will remain unchanged for now, but the new owners plan to expand local productions and enhance the viewing experience over time.
“Our goal is to combine the best of both companies and give customers across Africa the strongest entertainment value,” said Maxime Saada, Chief Executive Officer of Canal+. “We intend to achieve this as quickly as possible.”
Credit: businesstech.co.za
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