One year after French media giant Canal+ completed its acquisition of MultiChoice in September 2025, DStv has undergone one of the most significant transformations in its history, including the closure of Showmax, a reshaped channel lineup, and a complete overhaul of its package names and visual identity.
Showmax Shutdown Marks Streaming Strategy Shift
One of the most consequential decisions was the closure of Showmax at the end of April 2026. The streaming platform had accumulated more than R9 billion in trading losses following its 2023 relaunch, which was carried out in partnership with Comcast, according to Broadband reports.
After the shutdown, some of Showmax's content was migrated to MultiChoice's main streaming platform. Around the same time, MultiChoice reduced its workforce. By June 2026, about 312 employees at its Randburg headquarters had accepted voluntary severance packages.
The conditions attached to the Canal+ takeover approval prevent the company from carrying out forced retrenchments in South Africa until 2028, ensuring that all job cuts remain voluntary during this period.
Channel Lineup Reshaped
DStv's channel offering changed considerably over the period. Paramount's decision to exit linear television in Africa at the end of 2025 brought down BET Africa, CBS Justice, CBS Reality, and MTV Base. In response, MultiChoice added WWE, Trace Gospel, and Trace Ngoma to its entry-level Access package.
KykNet Lekker was discontinued, with affected subscribers moved to KykNet & kie. Premium and Compact Plus subscribers also lost access to certain Warner Bros. and HBO content in June 2026, further reducing the platform's content offering.
New Package Names and a New Look
The most visible change for subscribers arrived in September 2026, when MultiChoice replaced its existing package structure. Access became Starter, Family was renamed Select, and Compact was replaced by a sports-focused Sports package. A new Movies & Series package was also introduced, while Compact Plus was kept for existing subscribers.
Prices for satellite and streaming packages were aligned, and the DStv website and app received a visual overhaul. The blue design that had long defined the platform gave way to a predominantly black look. Packages are now presented as Starter, Select, Movies & Series, and Premium, without the traditional "DStv" prefix.
MultiChoice has said the changes should not be read as a full rebranding exercise, even though the new look is closer to Canal+'s own identity. Canal+ has also signalled plans to roll out its own streaming application in the markets where MultiChoice operates.
New DStv Subscription Pricing
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Canal+ Group, the new parent company of MultiChoice, has announced plans to simplify DStv's pricing and package structure for its subscribers. David Mignot, Canal+ Africa Chief Executive Officer, said that the confusing array of offers and fees in the current DStv lineup will be adjusted to boost sales.
Mignot pointed out that while some channels, especially the SuperSport brand, hold substantial value, the clutter of sub-brands complicates marketing efforts and undermines brand strength. The restructuring, driven by Canal+'s ownership, aims to streamline operations and improve financial health across MultiChoice's African markets, with the full impact expected to unfold as the company continues its transition under the new ownership.
