Multichoice To Initiate Price Increases from 1 April 2025
South African entertainment giant MultiChoice has unveiled five new channels set to launch on 1 April 2025, alongside a round of price increases for DStv packages. This update aims to provide more content variety to subscribers, particularly those on the DStv Compact plan, while also introducing changes to subscription costs across different tiers.
ALSO READ: DStv and Netflix Tax Still Under Consideration as Govt Seeks SABC Funding Solutions
New Channels Coming to DStv Compact
DStv Compact subscribers can look forward to an expanded lineup with a mix of sports, entertainment, and factual programming. The five new channels include:
1. SuperSport Action
Sports enthusiasts will enjoy SuperSport Action, which will feature adrenaline-packed sports, including:
- Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) – UFC and EFC
- Boxing and WWE
- UCI Cycling
- Other extreme sports
2. Africa Magic Showcase
This channel will cater to fans of Nollywood movies and African storytelling, offering:
- Romantic dramas
- Action-packed films
- Adventurous and cultural content
3. CBS Justice
True-crime lovers will now have access to CBS Justice, a channel dedicated to:
- Real-life criminal investigations
- Crime documentaries
- Courtroom drama series
4. Curiosity Channel
For those who enjoy learning about the world, Curiosity Channel will feature:
- Science and technology documentaries
- Historical explorations
- Cultural insights
5. History Channel
Returning to DStv’s lineup, the History Channel will present:
- In-depth historical series
- Investigative specials
- Factual programming with entertainment value
More Upgrades for Other DStv Packages
Aside from Compact, other DStv subscribers will also benefit from additional content:
- DStv Family: Comedy Central, HGTV, and Disney Channel will now be included.
- DStv Access: Will gain access to Zee World and Nicktoons.
- DStv EasyView: Will now feature SuperSport Schools, which showcases South Africa’s rising sports talent.
Additionally, DStv is introducing an extra streaming option for subscribers, allowing them to watch on two devices at no extra cos t.
DStv Price Increases from April 2025
With the expanded content offering, DStv has announced price hikes for most of its packages, effective 1 April 2025. The changes are as follows:
Package | Old Price (R) | New Price (R) | Increase (R) |
---|---|---|---|
Premium | 929 | 979 | +50 |
Compact Plus | 619 | 659 | +40 |
Compact | 469 | 479 | +10 |
Family | 329 | 339 | +10 |
Access | 139 | 150 | +11 |
EasyView | 29 | 30 | +1 |
Access Fees | 120 | 125 | +5 |
Add Movies | 79 | 49 | (-30) |
Showmax Adjustments
While the Showmax streaming service remains at R99, some of its packages are increasing:
- Showmax Pro: From R69 to R99 (+R30)
- Showmax Entertainment Mobile: From R45 to R50 (+R5)
What This Means for DStv Subscribers
With the addition of new channels, DStv is trying to boost value for money, especially for Compact users. However, the price hikes may frustrate some customers who already feel that streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video offer more affordable alternatives.
On the positive side, DStv is cutting the price of Add Movies (from R79 to R49), which could encourage more subscribers to opt for this feature.
Is DStv Still Worth It?
DStv remains a major player in South African entertainment, especially for sports fans who rely on SuperSport. However, with increasing competition from streaming services, the company is under pressure to balance price increases with quality content offerings.
For subscribers, the choice will depend on whether the new channels and streaming features justify the added cost.