June 2026 was DStv's best month for subscriber acquisition in South Africa in a decade

[mylesillidge]

DStv had its best month in South Africa in 10 years

MultiChoice parent company Canal+ says that June 2026 was DStv's best month for subscriber acquisition in South Africa in a decade.

The French media giant revealed the milestone in its 2026 half-year (H1 2026) results published on Tuesday, 28 July 2026.

 

[Athos]

I am one of the guilty parties, I signed up for the world cup. Now I want to cancel it and it aint so easy to cancel. Have to get on a phone call with them or cancel my virtual card. *nervous laugh*

 

[Brian_G]

I am one of the guilty parties, I signed up for the world cup. Now I want to cancel it and it aint so easy to cancel. Have to get on a phone call with them or cancel my virtual card. *nervous laugh*

At least they were honest about that, but there seems to be more reasons involved.

Canal+ said each of its business divisions experienced growth, with a significant increase in subscribers at the end of the period driven by the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

I guess they're doing some things right..
What do you think Axpert? (@Lupus )

 

[Lupus]

At least they were honest about that, but there seems to be more reasons involved.



I guess they're doing some things right..
What do you think Axpert? (@Lupus )

Always have a brief splurge of growth in Fifa and RWC years.

 

[Brian_G]

It remains to be seen if the positive turn in subscriptions will be short-lived, as many customers may cancel after watching the tournament.

To make its offering more attractive, MultiChoice has added several new channels to its lower-end packages in 2026.

 

[Smiggles]

There's a sucker born every minute.

 

[MrGray]

And next month they'll have a record amount of cancellations

 

[Brian_G]

Canal+ said the break in the decline showed the first effects of the key initiatives implemented as part of the growth boost plan.

The plan consisted of higher subsidies on equipment, the expansion of the distribution network capillarity, the reinforcement of on-the-ground sales teams, and an improved sales commission programme.

Despite the increased uptake, MultiChoice’s revenue continued to decline, dropping from €1.220 billion to €1.184 billion.

However, the 2.9% overall revenue drop was lower than in previous years, while subscription revenue decreased by only 1%.

Here's a shocker

An insider who spoke to MyBroadband alleged that Canal+ was effectively forcing employees to leave by creating an uncomfortable work environment, including through unachievable sales targets.

Internal communications shared with MyBroadband showed that sales agents were expected to secure at least 30 new DStv customers per counter per month, which is particularly challenging in small towns.

The insider claimed that Canal+ was effectively engaging in constructive dismissals in a significant restructuring process, which the company has called a “Target Operating Model”.

“Now that the VSPs are closed, it seems like people are being bullied into positions, often demotions disguised as lateral movements.”