DStv Faces Mounting Pressure

JOHANNESBURG, 22 October 2026 — South African pay-TV broadcaster DStv is facing another challenging period as channel closures, changes to subscriber benefits and increasing pressure to make premium sports content more accessible raise questions about the future of traditional subscription television.

The developments come just weeks after MultiChoice, now controlled by French media company Canal+, introduced one of the biggest restructurings of DStv’s packages in years.

While the company says the changes are intended to simplify its offerings and improve value for subscribers, several recent announcements have attracted attention from customers.

DStv has confirmed that the JimJam children’s channel will leave its platform in November, while five additional channels will disappear from the optional Add Indian package at the end of October.

At the same time, Communications Minister Solly Malatsi has called for wider access to televised sport, highlighting affordability concerns in a market where some major sporting events remain available only through premium subscriptions.

Together, the developments illustrate the challenges facing DStv as it adapts to changing consumer preferences and competition from streaming services.

DStv To Lose JimJam After 13 Years

One of the latest changes concerns JimJam, an international television channel specialising in programming for preschool children.

MultiChoice has confirmed that the channel will no longer be available on DStv from 11 November 2026.

The decision ends a 13-year relationship between the broadcaster and the children’s entertainment channel.

JimJam has provided animated and educational programming aimed primarily at younger viewers.

Its removal adds to a series of channel changes affecting DStv subscribers during 2026.

However, the broadcaster has not announced that all children’s programming will be removed from its service.

Subscribers will continue to have access to other children’s channels according to their packages.

The decision reflects broader changes to DStv’s content lineup following the acquisition of MultiChoice by Canal+.

Five More Channels To Disappear

DStv has also announced that five channels will be removed from its optional Add Indian package on 31 October 2026.

The affected channels are:

Channel	DStv number
SET Asia	450
Zee TV	452
SET Max	457
Zee Cinema	460
WION	461

The changes will leave three channels in the add-on package: Star Plus, Star Vijay and Colors TV.

The Add Indian package has been priced at R280 per month.

MultiChoice has indicated that a reduced-price offer will be announced, although the communication reported earlier in October did not specify the final amount.

The broadcaster says it is concentrating on fewer channels to simplify its offering and reduce overlapping content.

For customers who regularly watch the departing channels, however, the changes mean losing access to familiar programmes.

DStv Rewards Changes Affect Subscribers

MultiChoice has also changed aspects of its DStv Rewards loyalty programme.

One of the most significant adjustments concerns DStv Coins, the virtual rewards currency that customers can earn and redeem through the MyDStv app.

Previously, subscribers who disconnected their accounts could retain their accumulated Coins for use after reconnecting.

Under the revised rules, customers who disconnect lose their accumulated Coins immediately.

This means subscribers who temporarily cancel their subscriptions may no longer retain rewards earned before disconnection.

MultiChoice has also temporarily suspended certain Rewards features until the end of October.

These include selected activities affecting Rewards tiers, Add Movies discounts, pensioner discounts and anniversary package upgrades.

However, the company says customers who remain connected can continue earning and redeeming Coins through supported activities.

Competitions, vouchers and certain other rewards remain available.

Government Wants Wider Access To Sport

Another challenge for DStv comes from growing public discussion about the affordability of live sports broadcasting.

Communications Minister Solly Malatsi has argued that access to major sporting events should not be limited to people who can afford expensive television subscriptions.

Speaking at the Sport Business Forum on 15 October, Malatsi emphasised the importance of making sport accessible to a broader audience.

He linked wider sports access to improved digital infrastructure and more affordable internet connectivity.

The comments are relevant to DStv because some of South Africa’s most popular sporting events remain associated with its higher-priced packages.

International rugby, including Springbok matches, is an important example.

Although DStv has introduced a dedicated Sports package, certain premium sporting events remain reserved for DStv Premium.

The minister’s remarks do not constitute an announcement that DStv will lose its sports broadcasting rights.

They do, however, highlight a policy debate about affordability and access.

DStv Premium Faces Affordability Questions

DStv Premium remains the broadcaster’s most comprehensive television package.

It provides access to a wide range of sports and entertainment channels.

However, its monthly cost can make it difficult for some households to justify, particularly when consumers are managing rising living expenses.

DStv’s dedicated Sports package, introduced in September, offers an alternative for customers primarily interested in football, cricket and other sporting content.

The streaming-only version starts at R399 per month, while the decoder-based package costs R479 per month.

However, not every event available on Premium is included in the Sports package.

This distinction matters for rugby supporters and viewers who follow other premium sports.

Consumers must therefore compare the actual channel and sporting-event lineup rather than relying on package names alone.

Canal+ Restructures MultiChoice

The latest developments follow Canal+’s takeover of MultiChoice in September 2025.

The French media company has been pursuing changes intended to simplify operations and improve financial performance.

These include restructuring subscription packages, reviewing content offerings and reducing operating costs.

The takeover came after MultiChoice faced growing competition from international streaming services.

Traditional pay-TV operators have had to adapt as more households choose internet-based entertainment services.

Canal+’s restructuring has included the closure of Showmax and adjustments to the company’s channel portfolio.

The company has also offered voluntary severance packages to employees.

These developments form part of its broader effort to improve the business’s financial sustainability.

DStv Introduces New Packages

On 17 September 2026, DStv began implementing a major package overhaul in South Africa.

The changes included new package names, revised channel lineups and the introduction of additional viewing options.

Previous package	New package
DStv Access	DStv Starter
DStv Family	DStv Select
DStv Compact	DStv Sports
DStv Premium	Remains Premium
DStv EasyView	Remains EasyView

The broadcaster also introduced a Movies & Series package priced at R500 per month.

The changes were intended to provide clearer distinctions between entertainment-focused and sports-focused subscriptions.

MultiChoice stated that customers automatically migrated to the equivalent replacement packages would not face a price increase because of the migration.

However, individual subscriber experiences may differ depending on promotional arrangements and billing circumstances.

Customers should check their account details to confirm their current package and monthly charge.

Streaming Competition Continues To Grow

DStv operates in an increasingly competitive entertainment market.

Streaming platforms offer viewers the ability to choose programmes and films without subscribing to traditional satellite television packages.

Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and other services compete for household entertainment spending.

Internet-based television also allows consumers to watch content across smartphones, tablets, computers and smart televisions.

However, streaming services have their own costs, including subscriptions and internet data.

DStv continues to hold valuable sports broadcasting rights that differentiate it from many entertainment-focused streaming competitors.

The company’s challenge is to balance those strengths against consumer demand for affordable and flexible viewing options.

What Does This Mean For DStv Customers?

The recent announcements affect subscribers in different ways.

Customers who watch JimJam will lose access to the channel from 11 November.

Subscribers to the Add Indian package will see five channels removed at the end of October.

Customers using DStv Rewards should be aware that disconnecting their subscriptions now results in the loss of accumulated DStv Coins.

Sports viewers should review the differences between the Sports and Premium packages before changing subscriptions.

The changes do not mean that DStv is shutting down in South Africa.

They reflect an ongoing restructuring of the broadcaster’s products and services.

What Happens Next?

The next significant change is scheduled for 31 October, when five Add Indian channels are due to leave the platform.

JimJam is expected to follow on 11 November.

MultiChoice is also expected to provide further clarity on certain Rewards features after the temporary suspension period ends.

Meanwhile, the company will continue implementing its revised subscription strategy under Canal+.

The broader discussion about affordable sports broadcasting is also likely to remain relevant as policymakers and broadcasters consider how major sporting events reach South African audiences.

DStv Faces A Changing Television Market

DStv remains a major provider of sports and entertainment programming in South Africa.

However, its operating environment is changing rapidly.

Channel removals, subscriber benefit adjustments and new package structures illustrate how the broadcaster is attempting to adapt.

For customers, the immediate concern is whether their subscriptions continue to offer the content and value they expect.

For MultiChoice and Canal+, the challenge is to maintain customer loyalty while controlling costs and responding to competition.

The latest developments do not signal the end of DStv, but they demonstrate the pressure on the broadcaster to deliver a competitive and affordable television service.