DStv Stream for R0

DStv’s free video streaming package has shrunk to just four channels and offers very little compelling content compared to other free ad-supported streaming services in South Africa in June 2026.

MultiChoice initially made 13 of its linear channels free to stream on DStv Now, the predecessor to DStv Stream, in March 2020.

The rollout was positioned as part of the company’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic and as a contribution to keeping South Africans informed about developments around the disease.

Most of the channels offered live news bulletins and breaking news, including BBC World News, CNN, eNCA, Newzroom Afrika, Euronews Now, and SABC News.

It also made episodes of popular South African series available on-demand via its CatchUp service, including The River, Igazi, Isibaya, Binnelanders, Die Ware Naarheid, and Suidooster.

Six years later, there is very little to gain from signing up for DStv Stream free tier. As of June 2026, it has just four linear channels — SuperSport Schools, SuperSport Play, Channel O, and TBN Africa.

The only on-demand content was replays of Under-19s South African club football and episodes of Rugby on 216.

The only other on-demand movies on the service must be rented through Box Office, which charges R45 per title.

However, in recent years, several other free video streaming services have launched, offering more content for people who do not wish to pay a monthly subscription.

The most recent platform to enter the market is Afree TV, which runs on South African state-owned signal distributor Sentech’s Freevision Play over-the-top platform.

Afree TV offers four linear TV channels and five radio stations, as well as a few dozen on-demand productions from various African markets.

Freevision Play boasts 18 linear TV channels and six live radio stations. Its offering focuses on community, religious, and localised African content instead of major commercial networks.

Major broadcaster platforms and private services

The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has experienced substantial growth on its SABC+ service since its relaunch in July 2024.

As of May 2025, it had one million users. By February 2026, it reached two million users. The SABC+ offers all the public broadcaster’s live TV channels and radio stations.

Aside from SABC 1, SABC 2, and S3, users get access to the SABC Sport, SABC News, and SABC Lehae channels.

It also featured over 240 series, movies, and documentaries to stream on demand, primarily consisting of its own local productions.

Content that stood out included six Microsoft AI Skills courses, each comprising multiple educational videos on artificial intelligence.

The service also had a large back catalogue of iconic SABC programming, including cancelled soaps like 7de Laan and Muvhango. In the case of 7de Laan, it appeared to offer all 5,721 episodes.

eMedia launched its eVOD streaming service in 2021. It has only three linear channels on its free tier: eTV, eExtra, and Outflix Proud.

However, it also had an extensive catalogue of local and international series and movies available to stream on demand, including its popular soap Rhythm City.

Other specialised free video streaming platforms with more limited content include AfriForumTV, which is aimed at Afrikaans viewers, and Rugbypass TV for rugby lovers.

Google’s YouTube video streaming platform still hosts the largest library of content of any provider. It remains free, with an optional monthly Premium subscription which removes all ads from the platform.

Although the vast majority of YouTube content is non-fiction and creator-generated, its extensive range will appeal to audiences with diverse tastes and interests.

Free streaming services in South Africa

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