DStv Revives ‘Open Time’ And Cuts Decoder Prices In Nostalgic 30-Year Celebration

South African television is getting a throwback moment this November. To mark 30 years since DStv first hit local screens, MultiChoice is bringing back one of the country’s most beloved viewing traditions Open Time.

A Weekend Of Free Premium Access

From 7 to 9 November 2025, every DStv decoder customer will enjoy full Premium access at no extra cost. That means sport, movies, and entertainment galore all unlocked for one nostalgic weekend.

The limited-time promotion isn’t just about reliving old memories; it’s also a clever push to tempt viewers into upgrading their packages. With top-tier content available for free, MultiChoice is betting that once viewers get a taste of Premium, they won’t want to go back.

Decoder Prices Slashed Ahead Of The Celebration

Adding to the festivities, DStv has announced a major price cut on decoders 30% off in retail stores and over 40% off via the new online DStv Store starting 1 November.

It’s part of a broader campaign to make pay-TV more accessible and rewarding for loyal subscribers. Premium customers can also expect expanded perks, including two additional all-device streams for November and December, access to concierge support, and upgraded rewards like BoxOffice movie rentals, event access, and travel prizes.

Nostalgia Meets Modern Strategy

MultiChoice’s Open Time revival comes just weeks after French media giant Groupe Canal+ completed its takeover of the South African broadcaster. The move has sparked a reshuffle at the top, with new leadership eager to blend nostalgia with modern growth strategies.

Bringing back Open Time is a symbolic nod to where it all began. As Byron du Plessis, CEO for South African pay-TV at MultiChoice, put it: “When DStv launched in 1995, Open Time gave South Africans their first taste of subscription television. Bringing it back is a nod to that legacy – and part of our strategy to make entertainment more accessible.”

A Star-Studded Nostalgic Line-Up

The campaign will feature some familiar faces from DStv’s early days, including Ashley Hayden, Scot Scott, and Doreen Morris names that defined local television in the 1990s. For many South Africans, their return will be a comforting flashback to simpler times when M-Net’s Open Time was a family ritual.

A Perfect Weekend For Sports Fans

The timing of Open Time couldn’t be better. The free-access weekend aligns with a blockbuster sporting calendar: the Springboks’ showdown with France, Manchester City vs Liverpool, and the Brazilian Grand Prix. Whether you’re a sports fanatic or just looking for some entertainment nostalgia, DStv is ensuring there’s something for everyone.

Public Reaction: A Welcome Throwback

Online, the response has been overwhelmingly warm. Many South Africans have taken to social media to share memories of watching Open Time as children gathering around the TV with family, waiting for the M-Net theme to play.

Some are praising MultiChoice for “finally giving back to the loyal customers” while others see it as a smart business move in an era where streaming is stealing the spotlight. One X (Twitter) user summed it up perfectly: “Open Time is back? Suddenly it’s 1998 again, and I’m watching Egoli before the screen goes fuzzy.”

The Bottom Line

As DStv marks its 30th anniversary, this nostalgic comeback is more than a marketing stunt it’s a reminder of the broadcaster’s deep roots in South African culture.

By blending old-school charm with new incentives and competitive pricing, MultiChoice is hoping to reignite its bond with viewers in a rapidly changing entertainment landscape.

For one weekend in November, Open Time won’t just be a campaign it’ll be a collective national throwback.

Read More: DSTV Gets New Super App 

{Source:Tech Central}

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