MultiChoice Announces Canal+ App to Replace Showmax After Streaming Service Shutdown
Subscribers to DStv and GOtv are poised to access a new digital streaming platform following MultiChoice's confirmation that the financially struggling Showmax service will be phased out and replaced with the Canal+ app. This announcement signifies a major strategic shift for the company as it aims to compete more effectively in the rapidly evolving global entertainment market, dominated by giants like Netflix and Disney+.
Canal+ CEO Confirms Rollout Across MultiChoice Territories
Canal+ CEO Maxime Saada revealed that the company's over-the-top (OTT) streaming platform, the Canal+ app, will be deployed across MultiChoice territories, including South Africa and other African markets. The replacement for Showmax had remained uncertain since MultiChoice first disclosed plans to shut down the platform on March 5, 2026. However, Saada confirmed that the Canal+ app will fill the void left by the service.
According to Saada, this decision was driven by Showmax's persistent financial losses, despite numerous attempts to revive its growth. "As you know, this was a severely loss-making activity on which we saw no recovery, no matter what was done," he stated. He explained that Canal+ reached a swift agreement with its partner Comcast to close Showmax and refocus efforts on a stronger, more sustainable streaming product.
Saada emphasized that the priority is ensuring a smooth transition for existing users to a more robust streaming experience. "Our priority is to make sure that the people who have chosen this offer end up on something that is an even stronger experience going forward," he noted.
Strategy to Integrate Satellite TV and Streaming Services
Canal+ believes its strategy of blending satellite television with streaming services will provide a competitive edge in African markets. Unlike in the United States, where millions have abandoned traditional TV for streaming platforms, Saada said Canal+ has avoided a sharp decline in its satellite customer base. He attributed this success to the company's approach of offering direct-to-home (DTH) subscribers access to its OTT platforms.
"We don't have that because our DTH subscribers all have access to our OTT platform," Saada remarked. David Mignot, CEO of Canal+ Africa, added that this model has already been implemented in French-speaking African markets and will now be expanded to other MultiChoice territories. He also confirmed that efforts are underway to integrate Showmax content and key features into DStv Stream.
Mounting Financial Losses Prompt Change
According to a report by MyBroadBand, although MultiChoice had previously positioned Showmax as a cornerstone of its digital growth strategy, the platform has faced financial struggles for years. Over the past three financial years, Showmax recorded trading losses of approximately R8.7 billion. The streamer reported a loss of R1.2 billion in 2023, which widened to R2.6 billion in 2024 before surging to R4.9 billion in 2025.
Instead of declining as anticipated, the losses accelerated, compelling executives to reevaluate the platform's future. In January 2026, Saada openly admitted that Showmax had not achieved commercial success, partly due to heavy spending on marketing, technology, and content.
What This Means for Subscribers
Despite the shutdown announcement, MultiChoice and Canal+ have assured customers that the transition will not disrupt their viewing experience. In a message to subscribers, Showmax confirmed that the service will continue operating normally during the transition period.
"You can continue streaming as usual, and no action is required from you at this time," the company stated in an email to customers. Showmax added that subscribers will receive detailed information about the transition timeline and any required steps well in advance.
Canal+ also confirmed that the shutdown will not result in job losses, noting that employees will be supported through various transition options as the company restructures its streaming operations.
MultiChoice Scraps Annual Price Hikes
In related news, for the first time in years, MultiChoice has scrapped its customary April price increase for DStv and GOtv subscribers, marking a notable shift in strategy under its new majority owner, Canal+. The decision was confirmed by MultiChoice Group chief executive David Mignot in an interview with TechCentral, where he made it clear that subscribers will not face an increase this April. For households accustomed to annual adjustments, this move offers rare financial relief.
