MultiChoice to Shut Down Showmax After 11 Years

MultiChoice Group, the parent company of DStv and GOtv, has announced plans to discontinue its streaming platform Showmax after more than a decade of operation.

The company said the decision followed a comprehensive review of its streaming operations as it seeks to strengthen its broader digital strategy and ensure long-term sustainability in an increasingly competitive streaming market.

In a statement to subscribers, MultiChoice said:

“Following a comprehensive review, the Showmax Board has taken the decision to discontinue the Showmax service in the near future.”

The company assured users that the service will continue to run normally for now and that no immediate action is required from subscribers.

“Importantly, at the moment there will be no interruption to your current service. You can continue streaming as usual, and no action is required from you at this time.”

Launched in 2015, Showmax was created as MultiChoice’s flagship streaming service to compete with global platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+.

However, the company said persistent losses and the high cost of competing in the global streaming market made the service difficult to sustain.

The shutdown also comes months after French media giant Canal+ completed a multi-billion-dollar acquisition of MultiChoice, a move aimed at strengthening its footprint in the African entertainment market.

Despite the planned closure, MultiChoice said streaming remains central to its future strategy and promised continued investment in premium content and digital innovation across its platforms.

The company said further details regarding the transition timeline will be communicated to subscribers in the coming months.