MultiChoice Freezes DStv Prices Amid Subscriber Crisis

For the first time in many years, MultiChoice Group has announced that DStv subscribers will not face a price increase in April 2026. This decision, confirmed by newly appointed CEO David Mignot, marks a significant departure from the company's long-standing tradition of annual price hikes, which have often been met with consumer dissatisfaction. Mignot stated, “No, we are not... it’s not the right time to increase pricing,” emphasizing the need to focus on building the subscriber base rather than increasing costs.

MultiChoice scraps annual DStv price hikeShowmax ‘can’t continue’ in its current form

MultiChoice has been grappling with a severe decline in subscribers, losing approximately 2.8 million linear broadcasting subscribers over two years, with about half of these losses occurring in South Africa. The company reported a revenue drop of R4 billion to R52 billion for the year ending March 2025, alongside a 49% plunge in trading profit to R4 billion. Mignot attributed the subscriber decline to a failure in commercial execution rather than content quality, stating that the company must replenish its subscriber portfolio to counteract a natural churn rate of 12-15% annually.

MultiChoice scraps annual DStv price hike

While Mignot ruled out immediate price increases, he did not dismiss the possibility of adjustments later in the year, particularly if economic conditions, such as a weakening rand, necessitate changes. He noted that a volume-driven, price-stable strategy, similar to Canal+’s approach in French-speaking Africa, could be effective.

MultiChoice scraps annual DStv price hike

In addition to the DStv pricing freeze, Mignot indicated that significant changes are forthcoming for the Showmax streaming platform, which has not met financial expectations. The platform recorded trading losses of R4.9 billion for the year ending March 2025, contributing to MultiChoice's overall profit decline. Mignot acknowledged that the current operational model for Showmax is unsustainable and that discussions with Comcast regarding the platform's future are ongoing.

Showmax ‘can’t continue’ in its current form

Mignot's assessment of the streaming landscape highlights broader challenges, including inadequate infrastructure across Africa. He pointed out that while there are around 600 million smartphones on the continent, the high cost of data limits consumers' ability to engage with streaming content. He stated, “I have no example today of success on the mobile-only strategy... unless it is bundled with a telecommunications service.”

Showmax ‘can’t continue’ in its current form

MultiChoice is set to release its first combined financial results under Canal+ on March 11, 2026, which will provide further insights into the company's strategies for both DStv and Showmax. Mignot has emphasized the need for a profitable growth strategy moving forward, indicating that while the company will continue to pursue streaming opportunities, a reevaluation of existing models is essential.

Showmax ‘can’t continue’ in its current form

• “I want to give a clear answer, because we are building subscribers, so it’s not the right time to increase pricing.” — David Mignot, CEO, MultiChoice Group

MultiChoice scraps annual DStv price hike

• “The commercial engines of MultiChoice, and it’s quite recent, have not been providing enough new subscribers into the portfolio,” — David Mignot, CEO, MultiChoice Group

MultiChoice scraps annual DStv price hike

• “Financially speaking, business-wise speaking, the thing is not flying,” — David Mignot, CEO, MultiChoice Group

Showmax ‘can’t continue’ in its current form

• “no example today of success on the mobile-only strategy, not only in Africa, but anywhere in the world” — David Mignot, CEO, MultiChoice Group

Showmax ‘can’t continue’ in its current form