Data from the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) reveals a troubling trend in the country’s pay-TV sector, with subscriber numbers plummeting below seven million for the first time in over five years. In a report detailing the State of the ICT Sector, Icasa reported a 9.6% decrease in pay-TV subscribers, falling from 7.4 million to 6.7 million as of September 2025.
This decline aligns with significant market shifts, prompting Canal+, the new owner of MultiChoice Group, to implement a strategic overhaul of its DStv operations. Notably, the company has decided to eliminate its annual price increases and has shut down its Showmax streaming platform, underscoring the need for a necessary adjustment to the current landscape.
Over the five years from 2021 to 2025, pay-TV subscriptions declined at a compound annual rate of 5.2%, resulting in a total loss of 1.6 million subscribers. Icasa attributes this trend primarily to the explosive growth of over-the-top (OTT) streaming services, which deliver on-demand content over the internet and offer greater flexibility than traditional pay-TV. Additionally, rising consumer costs and economic constraints have further compounded the issue.
In terms of broadcasting revenue, which includes radio, there was a 4.6% decline, bringing total earnings down to US$1.9 billion. Subscription revenue, which stands at US$1.5 billion, remains the largest source of income, accounting for nearly three-quarters of total revenue, while advertising generated US$356 million. Interestingly, despite dwindling audiences and revenues, program expenditure increased by 7.6% to R17.2 billion, with local independent production spending hitting US$71 million. This growing investment in content raises concerns about sustainability.
Icasa’s report covers a period before Canal+ formally took control of MultiChoice, a situation acknowledged by the new CEO, David Mignot. In light of the crisis, Mignot has made it clear that stabilising subscriber numbers is a priority, stating a need to “stop the bleeding” and return to growth. To this end, the decision to halt price increases comes as a strategic move to regain a shrinking subscriber base.
As the landscape shifts, there are calls for regulatory measures, including a comprehensive inquiry into the competitive impact of OTT services on the sector. Meanwhile, fixed broadband connections have surged, highlighting a significant shift towards streaming capabilities, as evidenced by a remarkable 19.3% growth in connections. The market dynamics reflect a challenging road ahead for traditional pay-TV providers as they adapt to a rapidly evolving environment.
