JOHANNESBURG – South African households are increasingly cancelling their DStv subscriptions as more affordable and flexible streaming services gain popularity.
MultiChoice reported in its integrated annual report for the year ending 31 March 2025 that DStv lost 589,000 subscribers across the country, representing an overall decline of 8 percent. The DStv Premium tier, including Compact Plus, dropped by 96,000 subscribers, a 9 percent decrease. MultiChoice attributes this to affordability challenges and competition from streaming platforms, as well as the absence of major sporting events such as the Rugby World Cup.
Middle-market subscribers fell by 99,000, a decline of 5 percent, affected by high household indebtedness and competition from lower-cost local entertainment options. The mass-market tier lost 394,000 subscribers, marking a 9 percent decline and the second consecutive year of reduction. Factors included load-shedding, inflation, and high unemployment, alongside fewer decoder subsidies, which improved service quality but limited growth.
MultiChoice pointed to broader economic pressures in South Africa, including unemployment rates remaining high and economic growth under one percent, with limited short-term impact from lower interest rates and inflation on disposable income. Industry trends such as younger audiences spending more time on social media, rising free alternatives, and higher levels of piracy have also influenced subscriber losses.
Following Canal+’s acquisition of MultiChoice this year, the company outlined plans to strengthen DStv by offering more local African content, series, sports, and better value for money. Canal+ CEO Maxime Saada said the integration of both companies aims to provide improved content and user experience while current subscribers will not see immediate changes to services or offerings.
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