DStv Shake Up On the Cards as MultiChoice Eyes a Younger, Streaming First South Africa

DStv Is Changing, and It’s All About Winning Back a Lost Generation

As subscriber numbers continue to drop and digital rivals gain ground, MultiChoice is plotting the biggest transformation of DStv in more than a decade. And this time, the youth are at the heart of the plan.

For years, DStv was an essential part of South African living rooms. Whether it was KTV on Saturday mornings or SuperSport’s all-day rugby marathons, the platform once had something for everyone. But today’s younger generation isn’t glued to the TV — they’re scrolling through TikTok, bingeing YouTube, and streaming Netflix from their phones.

In a market that’s shifted dramatically since DStv’s heyday, MultiChoice knows it can no longer sit still. With a reported 1.2 million subscribers lost in the last year alone half of them in South Africa  the broadcaster is getting ready for a full system reboot.

A New DStv Era? A Local Platform in a Global Streaming War

MultiChoice South Africa CEO Byron du Plessis confirmed in a recent interview that DStv is preparing for what he calls a “wholesale overhaul.” At the centre of this transformation is a bold goal: adapt the platform for a digital-first generation without abandoning the core local content that built its legacy.

Gone are the days of rigid bouquet structures. The new DStv could offer more personalised packages, possibly even separating SuperSport from general entertainment — a long-standing request from subscribers who feel boxed in by all-or-nothing pricing.

“It’s the younger market that’s hurting us the most — by far,” Du Plessis admitted. And it’s not hard to see why. South African youth are digital natives. They grew up with on-demand content and short-form video. For many, the idea of paying for a full bouquet just to watch one or two shows feels outdated.

Unbundling SuperSport? Not So Fast

There’s been a lot of talk about whether SuperSport could one day be sold as a standalone package. But Du Plessis poured cold water on the idea of pay-per-view sports, saying it doesn’t make commercial sense for now.

“SuperSport’s power lies in its all-access model,” he explained, noting that carving it up could dilute the brand and create more headaches than it solves.

Still, MultiChoice is exploring all options. Research is underway, looking at local viewing habits and what packaging models might resonate most with South African audiences. The final decision will be shaped by both customer feedback and financial feasibility — and could be announced within the next six months.

Competing with TikTok, But Staying Local

While global platforms like TikTok and YouTube dominate youth attention, MultiChoice has no intention of taking them head-on. Instead, Du Plessis says the company plans to play to its strengths: local stories, local talent, and sports access that international platforms can’t match.

One of the questions driving internal strategy sessions is this: “Can we use our existing access to sports stars and create something that appeals to young people, on their terms?”

That might mean shorter content formats, more streaming flexibility, and curated youth-friendly content hubs. DStv Stream — the internet-based platform that now allows two simultaneous streams — is a signal that change is already in motion.

Public Reaction: “It’s About Time”

On social media, the reaction to the prospect of bouquet restructuring has been loud and clear: South Africans want more choice, especially when it comes to skipping premium sports content they don’t watch.

“Why must I pay for rugby when all I want is 1Magic and Mzansi Magic?” one user wrote on X, echoing sentiments that have trended online for years.

The idea of à la carte TV — picking your channels like groceries — is nothing new, but it’s only now gaining real traction as pressure mounts on MultiChoice to modernise.

Takeover Pressure from Canal+

The overhaul comes as French pay-TV giant Canal+ continues its move to acquire MultiChoice. Industry watchers suggest the looming takeover is accelerating innovation and forcing fresh thinking inside the business.

Canal+, which has successfully revamped its own offerings in France and across Africa, could inject global expertise into the revamp, giving MultiChoice a shot at competing in the new media landscape — if it plays its cards right.

The Bottom Line

South Africa’s media habits have changed. The DStv overhaul is a chance for MultiChoice to reconnect with a generation that never truly became loyal viewers. If it listens carefully — and moves quickly — it might just build a version of DStv that makes sense in 2025.

And if not? Well, there’s always Netflix. Or Showmax. Or YouTube. Or… TikTok.

Source:Tech Central

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