DStv to shut four channels on September 16, 2026 as MultiChoice trims portfolio
By Aboki Forex —
MultiChoice has confirmed it will shut down four DStv channels on September 16, 2026. The affected channels are M-Net Movies 1, kykNET Lekker, Mzansi Bioskop and Mzansi Music.
All four will cease broadcasting at 23:59 South African Standard Time. The move is part of a wider review of MultiChoice's channel portfolio.
Channels affected and reason for closure
A MultiChoice SA LicenceCo spokesperson confirmed the closures, saying the company is streamlining its portfolio in response to shifts in how subscribers watch television. Rather than spread similar content across multiple channels, MultiChoice plans to consolidate around fewer, stronger channels that are easier to navigate.
MultiChoice said content currently carried on those channels will continue to be available through other DStv channels after the shutdown.
Eleven channels gone in 2026
The September closures will bring the total number of channels DStv has discontinued this year to 11. Earlier in 2026, the platform removed BET Africa, CBS Reality, CBS Justice and MTV Base after their owner, Paramount, announced it was winding down linear television operations across Africa.
Tlnovelas was also pulled from channel 131 at the end of January 2026, though it was later replaced by Novelas+, which launched on July 1, 2026, and is available on DStv Access, Family, Compact, Compact Plus and Premium packages.
Full list of channels removed in 2025
The following channels were removed in 2025: Channel 446 (Deutsche Welle), Channel 390 (Emmanuel TV), Channel 264 (1Free State TV), Channel 266 (NWTV), Channel 451 (B4U Movies), Channel 180 (People's Weather), Channel 127 (GinX eSports), Channel 119 (1Magic), Channel 115 (ΜΕ), Channel 183 (Wild Earth), Channel 153 (Africa Magic Urban), Channel 313 (PBS Kids).
What it means for DStv subscribers
MultiChoice has opted to keep DStv subscription fees unchanged throughout 2026, breaking from its traditional practice of reviewing and increasing prices annually. The decision comes as the pay-TV operator seeks to attract back subscribers who have moved to competing streaming platforms.
DStv has faced growing competition from international streaming services such as Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video, which have reshaped the entertainment market. The unchanged subscription rates form part of MultiChoice's broader recovery plan following Canal+'s takeover of the company in late 2025.