South African pay-TV provider DStv has announced the impending closure of its Cine Magic channel, part of the M-Net division, set to take effect at the end of the month.
Currently, Cine Magic is included in DStv’s EasyView package, the most affordable option. A notice has appeared on the channel’s programming schedule indicating it will cease operations on June 30, 2026.
Cine Magic launched on the DStv EasyView platform in November 2022, offering a selection of African and international films in various languages throughout its 12-hour daily broadcast. This launch followed the addition of another channel, Magic Showcase, to the EasyView package, which seems to have been discontinued quietly. It’s important to note that this channel is distinct from Africa Magic Showcase, which is only accessible through higher-tier DStv packages on channel 151.
At the time of the launch, M-Net CEO Nomsa Philiso emphasised that Cine Magic and Magic Showcase were intended to give all DStv subscribers access to high-quality local content and films.
When queried about the closure, MyBroadband reached out to DStv’s parent company Canal+ for clarification but has not yet received a response. There appear to be signs that Canal+ is prioritising other offerings over the EasyView package, as noted by changes on the broadcaster’s website.
Earlier this month, it was discovered that the EasyView subscription was no longer available for purchase online, and the most economical option is now the Access bouquet. The “Get DStv” selection only showed the five pricier packages, and searches for EasyView returned no results. Canal+ stated that its online offerings align with DStv Stream packages, which exclude EasyView, though this doesn’t clarify why other satellite plans remain available for purchase on the website.
To subscribe to EasyView, users now need to contact DStv via its call centre or WhatsApp support. After Cine Magic’s shutdown, the EasyView bouquet will feature 35 channels in South Africa.
Subscribers to DStv Access, Family, Compact, Compact Plus, and Premium can expect a new channel next month. DStv recently confirmed that Novelas+, the leading Canal+ channel in French-speaking Africa, will be added to these packages, replacing the Tlnovelas channel, which was taken off air on channel 133 in January 2026.
In South Africa, the content will be dubbed in English, while viewers in Angola and Mozambique will have access to Portuguese dubbing. Philiso, who transitioned from her role at M-Net to Director of Content and General Entertainment for Canal+ in English and Portuguese-speaking Africa, noted the immense popularity of telenovelas among African audiences.
“We aim to deliver the vibrant essence of global dramas to our viewers’ screens, with fresh episodes every day,” she explained. “Quality is paramount, and we are committed to curating, localising, and scheduling the best content for our audiences, including the Turkish telenovelas that have captivated viewers worldwide.”
