South Africa’s parliament is investigating potential job losses in the country’s film and television industry following Canal+’s decision to close MultiChoice’s video streaming service, Showmax. The parliamentary portfolio committee on communications plans to conduct special oversight visits to MultiChoice and eMedia’s e.tv, both commercial broadcasters.
Canal+ has opted to replace Showmax with its own Canal+ app, stating that Showmax was not profitable and could jeopardise MultiChoice’s stability. As part of an agreement with the South African Competition Commission, Canal+ and MultiChoice cannot initiate any layoffs within MultiChoice for three years starting from September 2025.
In response to the closure, Canal+ emphasised that it would not result in job losses, assuring employees that it would support them through various transition options. However, while Showmax staff cannot be laid off, there is the potential for reduced budgets for production spending, particularly on projects initially commissioned for Showmax Originals, which could adversely affect production companies and the employment of creative professionals.
MP Sixolise Gcilishe from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has requested Khusela Sangoni-Diko, chairperson of the parliamentary committee, to investigate the ramifications of Showmax’s closure on local jobs and the broader implications for the South African film and television industry.
Gcilishe raised concerns that Canal+’s decision is crucial to the committee’s oversight responsibilities, particularly regarding support for the local creative sector, job retention, and adherence to transformation objectives in the digital economy. He noted that Showmax has played a vital role in promoting South African narratives and supporting local talent.
The discontinuation of Showmax could limit a significant distribution channel for local content, risking a cultural landscape increasingly dominated by international productions. Gcilishe stated the necessity for MultiChoice to clarify the future of local shows currently available on Showmax and discuss existing production contracts, especially given the country’s high unemployment rates.
He insisted that MultiChoice executives must present a detailed timeline and justification for the restructuring of Showmax, along with a comprehensive assessment of the anticipated job losses at MultiChoice and across the broader creative sector. Gcilishe highlighted the need for clarity on the fate of current Showmax Original productions and their accessibility to South African audiences.
According to Sangoni-Diko, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) and the Competition Commission will brief the committee on March 17 on the regulatory conditions, public-interest commitments, and compliance requirements related to Canal+’s acquisition of MultiChoice. Following this, the committee plans to schedule special oversight visits to the broadcasting sector on March 31 and April 1, 2026, targeting e.tv, MultiChoice, and other commercial broadcasters.
