DStv is overhauling its subscription packages, giving South African viewers more choice over what they pay for, with prices ranging from R99 to R799 a month.
MultiChoice and Canal+ unveiled the new packages on Monday, with the changes set to take effect from 17 September 2026.
The new line-up is:
- Starter – R99
- Select – R299
- Sports – R399
- Movies & Series – R500
- Premium – R799
The overhaul is one of the biggest changes to DStv’s package structure in years and comes as the traditional pay-TV business faces mounting competition from streaming services and pressure from consumers looking to cut monthly costs.
What does each package offer?
Starter – R99
The entry-level package is aimed largely at viewers interested in local content.
It includes channels such as Moja Love, Wethu+ and Via, while sports fans will get SuperSport KickOff.
The package will offer two live PSL matches, as well as two live Premier League and UEFA matches.
Select – R299
Select is aimed at viewers looking for more local entertainment and football.
It includes Mzansi Magic, PSL content, Mzansi Magic Originals and reality shows.
Sports – R399
As its name suggests, this package is aimed squarely at sports fans.
It includes the football leagues available on DStv, as well as rugby and other sporting content.
However, viewers wanting the full range of premium sporting events will still have to consider the top-tier package.
Movies & Series – R500
This package is aimed at viewers who are more interested in entertainment than sport.
It offers access to international films and series acquired by DStv.
Premium – R799
Premium remains DStv’s all-inclusive package, offering subscribers access to the widest range of sport, entertainment, movies and series available on the platform.
‘An inherently risky initiative’
The changes come as DStv attempts to respond to changing viewing habits and complaints from subscribers who have traditionally had to pay for large bundles of channels to access a handful of programmes or sporting events.
Speaking at Monday’s presentation, MultiChoice LicenceCo CEO Willington Ngwepe acknowledged that the new model could come at a cost to the company.
“It’s an inherently risky kind of initiative,” Ngwepe said.
He said customers had told the company they did not want to pay for an expensive package simply to access a small selection of sports or entertainment channels.
“For years, customers have been saying we are forced to end up taking Premium when all we need might be a few sports channels plus a few other entertainment channels,” he said.
Ngwepe said the overhaul was about responding to what households actually want to watch.
“The idea was really to respond to what households need,” he said.
The package revamp comes after Canal+ took control of MultiChoice, as the French media giant seeks to reshape the African pay-TV business and strengthen its position against increasingly popular streaming platforms.
For DStv customers, however, the immediate question is simple: Will the new packages mean cheaper television bills, or will viewers still have to pay up to get everything they want?
The new packages launch in South Africa on 17 September 2026.
