Business
DStv Revives Open Time with Free Premium Access for Its 30th Anniversary
A nostalgic comeback for South African TV lovers
If you grew up in South Africa during the early 2000s, the phrase “Open Time” probably brings back memories of M-Net’s golden era, that two-hour window when everyone, whether subscribed or not, could catch the best of local and international TV. This November, DStv is reviving that feeling in a big way.
To celebrate its 30th birthday, the pay-TV giant is bringing back Open Time from 7 to 9 November 2025, giving every active DStv decoder customer free access to the entire Premium bouquet for the weekend.
This time, there’s no two-hour limit. The gate to DStv’s best channels will be wide open from Friday midnight to Sunday night.
A weekend packed with world-class entertainment
DStv’s “Open Time” revival isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s about giving everyone a front-row seat to its biggest offerings.
Sports fans are in for a blockbuster weekend:
-
Saturday, 8 November: The Proteas face Pakistan at noon, Tottenham Hotspur takes on Manchester United at 14:30, and the Springboks go head-to-head with France in Paris at 22:10.
-
Sunday, 9 November: The action continues with MotoGP Portugal, the Brazil F1 Grand Prix, and a clash between Manchester City and Liverpool.
Beyond the field, there’s something for every viewer. From Survivor S48 and America’s Got Talent: 20th Anniversary Special to the South African drama Abandoned, the lineup celebrates DStv’s long-standing commitment to storytelling and variety.
And yes, you’ll even see some familiar faces. Icons like Ashley Hayden, Doreen Morris, and Scot Scott, who once defined the Open Time experience on M-Net, are returning to the screen for this special milestone.
The nostalgia runs deep
For those who remember the original M-Net Open Time, it was more than just a glimpse into pay-TV. It was a cultural bridge. It introduced South Africans to a new era of entertainment, from Hollywood blockbusters to homegrown favourites, and shaped viewing habits for an entire generation.
DStv’s CEO of SA PayTV, Byron du Plessis, said the brand has “grown up alongside its viewers.” He described the return of Open Time as part of a bigger plan to reignite the DStv experience and make premium content more accessible.
The company is also slashing prices to match the celebration mood: HD decoders will drop by up to 40% in the DStv online store and 30% in retail outlets starting from November.
More perks for Premium subscribers
Existing DStv Premium customers aren’t being left out of the festivities. From November through December, they’ll enjoy two extra all-device streams, raising the total to four.
Premium subscribers will also get access to enhanced rewards, including BoxOffice movie rentals, exclusive screenings, celebrity meet-and-greets, and VIP experiences at Rugby Championship and SA20 matches. A new concierge service promises faster support and tailored assistance, a nod to the platform’s most loyal base.
A fresh spin on a South African classic
The reintroduction of Open Time feels symbolic. At a time when streaming dominates and traditional TV faces competition from every direction, DStv’s gesture is both nostalgic and forward-looking.
It’s a reminder that even after three decades, the brand remains woven into South Africa’s living-room culture, from family movie nights to weekend sport traditions.
Whether you’re tuning in for the Springboks, reliving M-Net nostalgia, or simply enjoying free premium TV for a weekend, this Open Time celebration is a thank-you note to the nation that grew up watching DStv grow.
Also read: FNB Buys Standard Chartered’s Retail and Wealth Business in Zambia in Landmark Deal
Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter, TikT
For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com
Source: MyBroadband
Featured Image: Daily Investor
