DStv subscribers will lose access to JimJam, the international preschool children's channel, on November 11, 2026, after 13 years on the platform. MultiChoice confirmed the removal to veteran broadcast journalist Thinus Ferreira, with both MultiChoice and Canal+ acknowledging the channel's departure.
JimJam's Exit Confirmed After 13 Years
JimJam first launched on DStv in November 2013, making its exit exactly 13 years after it began entertaining preschool audiences. The channel, which airs on Channel 310, is provided by AMC Networks International. Neither broadcaster offered a specific explanation for why the channel is being dropped.
MultiChoice spokesperson Sthembiso Semenya framed the decision as part of a broader effort to refine the broadcaster's channel offering. Semenya said: "DStv continues to invest in preschool children's entertainment, including PlayRoom, which brings together local and international programming." She added: "Families can also enjoy preschool entertainment on Cartoonito, CBeebies, DreamWorks, depending on their package."
Part of a Series of Channel Cuts in 2026
The planned removal of JimJam is the latest in a series of channel cuts that DStv subscribers have experienced throughout 2026. At the start of the year, MultiChoice removed BET Africa, MTV Base, CBS Justice, and CBS Reality from its lineup. Magic Showcase and CineMagic followed, both shutting down on June 30, 2026.
In September, four more channels — M-Net Movies 1, kykNET Lekker, Mzansi Bioskop, and Mzansi Magic — stopped broadcasting. MultiChoice said content from those channels would continue to be available through other channels on the platform. The broadcaster also renamed several SuperSport channels in August 2026, saying the change would make it easier for subscribers to find their preferred sports content.
Indian Add-on Package Also Facing Cuts
Subscribers on DStv's specialist Indian add-on package face a separate set of changes. Five channels — SET Asia, ZEE TV, SET Max, Zee Cinema, and WION — are scheduled to leave the package on October 31, 2026.
In a message to affected customers, MultiChoice said it was trimming the lineup to better reflect how subscribers watch content. The company said: "Rather than spreading similar content across many channels, we're focusing on fewer, stronger channels to create a simpler viewing experience."
With JimJam's exit confirmed for November 11, families who rely on the channel for their children's viewing will need to check which alternative preschool options are available under their current DStv packages.
DStv's Broader Restructuring Under Canal+
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that DStv has overhauled its entire package structure, pricing, and branding in South Africa, with changes set to take effect on September 17, 2026, in what the company describes as the most significant shake-up to its products in 15 years. The broadcaster repositioned itself under French media giant Canal+, which completed its acquisition of DStv's parent company. DStv's new slogan, "Expect+", reflects the shift toward the Canal+ brand identity.
