Media giant MultiChoice, the parent company of DStv and GOtv, has announced plans to shut down its streaming platform. Showmax after more than a decade.
In a message sent to customers on March 5, the company disclosed that the decision followed a strategic review aimed at strengthening its digital offerings and positioning the company for long-term sustainability amid increasing competition in the global streaming market.
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Originally launched in South Africa in 2015, Showmax grew rapidly to become one of Africa’s most recognised streaming platforms, offering movies, television series, sports, and original productions to viewers across multiple African countries.
Over the years, the platform became a major competitor to international streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+, particularly in African markets where it offered locally produced content tailored to regional audiences.
Despite its growth, MultiChoice said the decision to discontinue the service was made after a comprehensive evaluation of its digital strategy.
“Following a comprehensive review, the Showmax Board has decided to discontinue the Showmax service in the near future,” the company stated in part of the message to subscribers.
However, the company did not provide a specific shutdown date, assuring users that the platform will continue operating for now and that subscribers are not required to take any immediate action.
“We understand that this news may raise questions. Showmax subscribers are a priority for us, and we are working on plans to ensure clear communication and a smooth transition when the time comes,” the message added.
MultiChoice also promised that customers would receive advance notice regarding timelines and any steps they may need to take ahead of the eventual closure.
“We will share further details well in advance, including timelines and any future steps, should they be required,” the company said.
The company emphasised that streaming services remain a key part of its long-term strategy despite the decision to discontinue Showmax.
“Streaming remains central to our strategy. We will continue to invest in premium content, technology innovation and partnerships to deliver the best possible entertainment experience to our customers,” MultiChoice added.
The announcement comes shortly after the approval of a major acquisition deal involving French media conglomerate Canal+, which recently secured approval to acquire MultiChoice. However, the company has not yet revealed whether the decision to shut down Showmax is directly connected to the acquisition.
MultiChoice also did not provide details about the potential impact of the decision on employees working on the platform or whether alternative services will be introduced to replace Showmax for existing subscribers.
For now, customers across Africa who currently subscribe to Showmax can continue using the platform as usual while awaiting further updates from the company regarding the transition process.
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