South Africa’s pay-TV giant, Multichoice, has announced its 2025 pricing adjustments for DStv and Showmax, blending modest increases with new perks like extra streams, channel expansions, and discounted add-ons.
While Premium subscribers face a R50 monthly hike, Compact viewers gain five new channels. Here’s how the changes balance costs and value.
2025 price adjustments at a glance
Multichoice’s latest adjustments prioritise retaining subscribers through added benefits, even as most packages see price rises. Below is the breakdown:
| Package | 2024 Price | 2025 Price | Increase (%) | Value Adds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premium | 929 | 979 | +5.4% | Extra stream, 100% Showmax discount |
| Compact Plus | 619 | 659 | +6.5% | Extra stream, 40% Showmax discount |
| Compact | 469 | 479 | +2.1% | 5 new channels, 40% Showmax discount |
| Family | 329 | 339 | +3% | 3 new channels (Comedy Central, HGTV, Disney) |
| Access | 139 | 150 | +7.9% | Zee World, Nicktoons |
| EasyView | 29 | 30 | +3.4% | SuperSport Schools channel |
| Add Movies | 79 | 49 | -38% | Price drop for all subscribers |
What subscribers gain (and lose)
1. Premium & Compact Plus:
- Cost: R50–R40 more monthly.
- Perks: Extra concurrent streams (watch on multiple devices) and Showmax discounts (up to 100% off).
2. Compact & Family:
- Cost: R10–R10 increase.
- Perks: Compact gains SuperSport Action, CBS Justice, and three entertainment channels. Family adds Disney Channel and Comedy Central.
3. Budget Tiers:
- Access (+7.9%) and EasyView (+3.4%) absorb steeper percentage hikes, straining households already battling 6.3% inflation.
4. Add Movies:
- A rare win: Slashed to R49/month (-38%), offering blockbuster films at 2018 prices.
Sweeteners to soften the blow
- Price-Lock Deals: Freeze rates for 24 months (e.g., Premium at R899/month, saving R2,400 over two years).
- Showmax Discounts: Compact and Compact Plus subscribers get 40% off Showmax bundles.
- Local Content: New season of Shaka Ilembe (Multichoice’s biggest production ever) and expanded sports coverage.
VAT wildcard: another hike ahead
Multichoice warned that a 0.5% VAT increase (to 15.5%) from May 1, 2025, could trigger mid-year adjustments. Subscribers will receive detailed updates in April.
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The bigger picture: why prices are rising
1. Content Wars: Competing with Netflix and Disney+ requires costly local productions (Shaka Ilembe) and sports rights.
2. Currency Pressures: A weaker rand inflates costs for imported tech and international programming.
3. Streaming Upgrades: Expanding Showmax and DStv Stream infrastructure demands investment.
Your move: adapt or opt out?
1. Downgrade: Switch to Family (R339) or DStv Stream (no increase) to save up to R500/month.
2. Leverage Discounts: Use Showmax add-ons to replace premium movie/sports channels.
3. Price-Lock: Secure current rates until March 2026 to dodge VAT-linked hikes.
4. Opt out entirely: Swap pricey subscriptions for free library books or community storytelling events. After all, the best stories don’t need a remote.
Check out the updated DStv price list here
Why this matters
Multichoice is walking a tightrope: raising prices to offset costs while adding value to retain subscribers. For loyal viewers, the perks may justify the hikes—but budget-conscious households face tough choices as inflation and VAT pressures mount.
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