South Africans are reacting with disbelief and blunt criticism after MultiChoice confirmed plans to discontinue its streaming service Showmax — a decision that could fundamentally reshape the country’s entertainment landscape.
The announcement, confirmed in an email sent to subscribers on March 5, 2026, was first highlighted online by users like Jabulani Macdonald, who shared the official “discontinuation” notice.
This move follows the recent acquisition of MultiChoice by French media giant , which is now aggressively streamlining operations across the broadcaster’s portfolio. This move follows the recent acquisition of MultiChoice by French giant Canal+, which is now aggressively streamlining operations to cut costs.
The development arrives amid wider restructuring, including channel removals and price adjustments detailed in NOWinSA’s report on DStv 2026 price increases.
While the shutdown is not immediate, the company says the service will be phased out as it refocuses its digital strategy.
“Should have let it die”: SA reacts brutally
One viral comment circulating on X captured the mood spreading across social media: “Canal+ should have just left MultiChoice to die a natural death.”
The remark quickly gained traction, fuelling a wave of criticism about the future of the pay-TV giant. Some users argued the decision reflects deeper financial problems within the company’s streaming strategy.
According to recent financial reporting, Showmax losses ballooned by 88% to R4.9 billion in the last financial year — a key factor behind the decision to discontinue the platform. Analysts suggest that the cost of competing with global titans like Netflix simply became “unsustainable” for the group.
Piracy fears resurface as streaming options shrink
Financial commentator Koshiek Karan argued that the decline of traditional broadcasters could push audiences toward illegal platforms. “DStv is imploding, Showmax is terminated, and the SABC is technically insolvent. The winners? Pirate streams,” he noted.
Cybersecurity experts say piracy often comes with hidden risks, including malware, phishing attacks and credit-card fraud targeting viewers who access illegal sports streams.
As legitimate streaming choices narrow, industry observers fear piracy could grow even further across African markets.
What happens to local content?
Perhaps the biggest concern raised by viewers and industry insiders is the future of local productions.
Showmax built a reputation as a home for South African original programming — including reality shows, comedy specials and documentaries that rarely appeared on international platforms.
Some productions helped elevate local personalities and revive careers. The reality series ‘This Body Works For Me Renion’, for example, brought renewed attention to media personality Sol Phenduka, who served as host.
The platform also hosted comedy programming such as ‘Tippin’ With Skhumba‘, along with a range of reality shows chronicling the daily lives of artists like Kelly Khumalo and internationally renowned producer Lebo M, helping cement its identity as a destination for local entertainment.
With the platform now set to disappear, viewers are increasingly asking where those productions will go.
Industry observers warn the impact could extend beyond audiences. Flm crews, writers, actors and technicians depend on local commissioning pipelines — many of which were supported by streaming services like Showmax.
Another shake-up for MultiChoice
The Showmax shutdown arrives during a turbulent period for the broadcaster. Over the past year, it has been restructuring its business while dealing with subscriber declines and intensifying competition from global streaming platforms.
That turbulence has been visible across its traditional television offering. Earlier reports revealed that 16 DStv channels being cut formed part of a broader effort to control costs and adjust programming to shifting viewing habits.
Industry observers say these decisions reflect growing pressure on legacy broadcasters as audiences migrate toward digital streaming services.
Canal+ strategy reshaping Africa’s streaming future
The decision to discontinue Showmax also reflects a broader strategic shift under Canal+ ownership. Media analysts say the French broadcaster is likely to prioritise a “super-app” streaming ecosystem, consolidating multiple services under a single platform.
This strategy has already been deployed in several international markets where Canal+ operates. For Africa’s entertainment industry, however, the immediate question remains unresolved. If Showmax disappears, where will South African stories find a home?
For now, the fierce reactions spreading across social media show just how deeply the platform had become embedded in the country’s evolving streaming culture.
