DStv shutting down 4 channels
MultiChoice SA LicenceCo is shutting down M-Net Movies 1, kykNET Lekker, Mzansi Bioskop and Mzansi Music as part of the ongoing review of the DStv channel portfolio.
The channels will cease broadcasting at 23:59 SAST on 16 September 2026. MyBroadband understands that the content aired on these channels will remain available on others.
A spokesperson for LicenceCo confirmed that there will be several updates to the DStv channel line-up, including updated SuperSport channel names from 19 August 2026.
“These changes are designed to make it easier for customers to discover and enjoy the sport they love,” the company said.
LicenceCo’s formal name is MultiChoice (Pty) Ltd. It was carved out of the MultiChoice Group structure to hold its South African operating licences when Groupe Canal+ acquired the company.
This was to comply with local regulations, which cap foreign voting rights in local broadcasters at 20%. Local broadcasting licensees must also be 30% owned by historically disadvantaged groups.
In South Africa, Canal+ Africa supplies the channels to LicenceCo, which provides the DStv offering to domestic subscribers.
The SuperSport updates will introduce clearer, sport-specific channels, which MultiChoice said would make it easier for fans to find their favourite sporting action.
Highlights include the launch of SuperSport Football Plus, a dedicated home for premium football featuring selected UEFA Champions League action and other major competitions.
There will also be SuperSport Africa, which will showcase the best of South African and African sport, as well as SuperSport KickOff, for overflow football events.
A brand-new SuperSport Extra 2 channel will also be introduced, providing additional capacity for premium live sport whenever multiple major events take place simultaneously.
Regarding the shutdown of M-Net Movies 1, kykNET Lekker, Mzansi Bioskop and Mzansi Music, MultiChoice said it was optimising its channel line-up.
“As viewing habits continue to change, MultiChoice is refining the DStv channel line-up to match,” a spokesperson for LicenceCo said.
“Rather than spreading similar content across many channels, we’re concentrating on fewer, stronger channels, giving subscribers a cleaner, easier-to-navigate line-up and a better viewing experience overall.”
Big channel changes at DStv
Following the removal of M-Net Movies 1, kykNET Lekker, Mzansi Bioskop, and Mzansi Music, DStv would have cut 11 channels across all its packages in 2026.
It started the year by discontinuing BET Africa, CBS Reality, CBS Justice, and MTV Base. That change was due to the channels’ owner, Paramount, shutting down its linear TV operations in Africa.
At the end of January 2026, it also removed Tlnovelas on channel 131. It was replaced by Novelas+ on 1 July, which will be available on DStv Access, Family, Compact, Compact Plus, and Premium.
DStv Access has been the biggest net beneficiary of MultiChoice’s channel changes this year, receiving access to WWE (DStv 128), Trace Gospel (DStv 322), and Trace Ngoma (DStv 326).
During the FIFA World Cup, which ended on 19 July 2026 with Spain as the winner, MultiChoice also provided all matches live to subscribers on DStv Access and above.
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