MultiChoice Halts DStv Price Hike for April 2026 Amidst Subscriber Losses

Historic Decision to Freeze Prices

For the first time in many years, MultiChoice will not implement its traditional annual price increase for DStv subscriptions in South Africa this April. This significant strategic shift, confirmed by newly appointed MultiChoice Group CEO David Mignot, breaks a long-standing tradition of yearly price adjustments that typically took effect on April 1st.

Mignot stated that the company's priority is to 'stop the bleeding, get back to growth' and build its subscriber base, making an upward price adjustment at this time counterproductive.

Responding to Significant Subscriber Declines

The decision comes in the wake of substantial subscriber losses experienced by MultiChoice across its markets. The group lost 2.8 million linear broadcasting subscribers in the two years leading up to March 31, 2025, with approximately half of these losses occurring in South Africa alone. Active linear pay-TV customers declined from 17.3 million on March 31, 2023, to 14.5 million by March 31, 2025. In the financial year ending March 2025 alone, the company saw a 1.2 million subscriber decline, an 8% year-on-year drop.

These declines have also impacted the company's financial performance, with revenue decreasing and trading profit plummeting. Mignot attributed these issues less to programming quality and more to weaknesses in commercial execution.

New Leadership and Future Strategy

This change in pricing strategy is a direct result of Groupe Canal+'s acquisition of MultiChoice, which saw the French media conglomerate assume effective control in September 2025. Mignot, a veteran of the pay-TV industry, took over as MultiChoice Group CEO following the acquisition.

While there are no immediate plans for a price increase in April, Mignot did not entirely rule out the possibility of adjustments later in the year, particularly if economic factors such as currency fluctuations necessitate them. The company is also exploring other strategies, such as introducing features like bill splitting for DStv Stream packages, to enhance subscriber value and retention. Canal+ is expected to outline its broader strategy and combined financial results for the year ended December 31, 2025, on March 11.