🔥 Trending DStv Shutting Down Channels in South Africa: What You Need to Know

DStv, South Africa's largest pay-TV provider, is currently undergoing significant changes to its channel lineup and overall service offering in South Africa. These changes include the shutting down of several channels, price adjustments, and the introduction of new content, largely influenced by market dynamics and the recent acquisition of its owner, MultiChoice, by French media giant Canal+ ³.

Channel Closures and Additions

DStv has been actively reconfiguring its channel offering, leading to both the removal and addition of channels.

Channels Shut Down in 2026

So far in 2026, DStv has lost seven channels, following the exit of 12 major channels in 2025 ³. By the end of 2026, DStv plans to shut down at least six additional channels ⁶. One confirmed closure is Cine Magic ⁸.

Channels Shut Down in 2025

In 2025, DStv saw the departure of 12 major channels as part of its reconfiguring efforts ³.

New Channel Additions and Replacements

Despite the closures, DStv is also introducing new content. Novelas+, a leading Canal+ channel in French-speaking Africa, is being added to certain packages. This channel will replace Tlnovelas, which was removed from channel 133 in January 2026. In South Africa, Novelas+ content will be dubbed in English ⁸.

Pricing and Package Changes

MultiChoice South Africa announced price increases for various DStv packages in 2025, affecting both satellite and streaming services ⁴. DStv has also made significant changes to its cheapest packages as it reworks its pricing details ⁴.

Broader Context and Market Challenges

These changes are occurring amidst rising costs and a competitive media landscape. DStv faces challenges from global streaming services like Amazon Prime, which launched in South Africa for R59 per month and includes Prime Video ⁹.

The acquisition of MultiChoice by French media giant Canal+ in 2025 is a key factor driving these changes, as Canal+ is now tasked with reinventing the DStv service ³.

Potential Impact of New Property Laws

DStv has also issued warnings to subscribers about potential legal risks associated with new private property laws in South Africa, which could affect satellite dish installations ¹⁶. The specifics of these laws and their full impact are still being monitored.

Sports Content and Special Offers

DStv continues to offer a wide range of sports content. For instance, in June 2026, the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 match between South Africa and Canada was broadcast live on DStv Channel 202 ⁷¹⁰. Additionally, DStv has, at times, made a selection of its sports channels available to more customers via the DStv App or now.dstv.com, such as an "open window" event in September 2021 where 18 sport channels were accessible ⁵.