MultiChoice has announced that four popular channels will disappear from DStv and GOtv packages starting 1 January 2026:
• BET Africa (Channel 129)
• MTV Base (Channel 322)
• CBS Justice (Channel 170)
• CBS Reality (Channel 171)
The removals come as the company continues to review its line-up in a challenging market, with declining subscriber numbers and pressure from streaming services. This marks the first major channel cut since Canal+ finalised its acquisition of MultiChoice in September 2025.
What viewers are losing
• BET Africa: A decade-old favourite for urban music, lifestyle shows and original telenovelas. Its flagship series Black Gold will air double episodes from 22 December 2025 to conclude the season before the channel shuts down.
• MTV Base: The go-to destination for African music videos, live sessions and youth culture since 2006.
• CBS Justice & CBS Reality: Niche channels offering true-crime documentaries, courtroom dramas and international reality series.
MultiChoice says the slots will temporarily be filled by pop-up channels, including festive movie channels and dedicated Africa Cup of Nations coverage starting in late December.
Many subscribers have expressed frustration online, pointing out that channel removals are happening while subscription prices continue to rise. Despite recent additions to lower-tier packages earlier in 2025, the overall trend feels like a shrinking offering to some customers.
More channel changes and possible package restructuring are expected in 2026 as the new Canal+ ownership looks to reposition DStv against streaming competitors.
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