New Channel Alert: 1KZN TV And Mpuma Kapa TV Are Now Streaming On SABC+

Following the inclusion of SuperSport Schools, SABC+ has added the provincial stations 1KZN TV and Mpuma Kapa TV in an attempt to boost primetime on the platform. As the struggling SABC 2 and SABC 3 start to see a drop in viewership.

Based in Richards Bay, 1KZN TV promotes cultural preservation and community development, making it a key voice for regional narratives. It focuses on the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province in South Africa, with a strong emphasis on Zulu culture, history, and local stories.

It produces original programming through community engagement, including news, entertainment, youth culture shows, and sports coverage like the DStv Diski Challenge and KZN Sport.

Mpuma Kapa TV (often abbreviated as MPK TV or formerly known as Bay TV) is the Eastern Cape's premier regional broadcaster, serving as a "window to the province" by showcasing local culture, community developments, entertainment, and economic stories.

It features multi-genre content, including religious programs like Shekinah Healing Ministries, talk shows such as Book Review and Street Talk TV, event coverage around Nelson Mandela Bay, and motivational segments.

Aside from SABC+, 1KZN TV and Mpuma Kapa TV are also streaming on Freevision Play and through cable on DStv. 

Unlike BET's Black Gold, CBS Reality Won't Be Able To Wrap Up Judge Judy When It Goes Dark On DStv

A few years ago, Judith Sheindlin announced that her court show Judge Judy currently seen on e.tv and CBS Reality would be hanging up its gloves after the 25th season. The problem part is that Africa is still behind as CBS Reality is on its 21st season with e.tv on its 22nd season.

This means e.tv has yet another 3 years worth of court room drama to wrap up while CBS Reality won't be able to air the remaining 4 years of episodes.

Paramount had already confirmed that it's joint venture with AMC Networks International for both CBS Reality and CBS Justice would be ending soon. This would bring about the end of Judge Judy which served as one of the longest running primetime shows on the brand.

None of DStv's other channels such as Investigation Discovery, Curiosity Channel or even Real Time will be adding Judge Judy when CBS Reality goes dark. Judge Judy had been cancelled by 2020-2021 and these brands likely won't hover around old content.

This means while the rest of Africa are being shut out from Judge Judy, DStv consumers in South Africa have to rely on a free-to-air broadcaster. The problem is that consumers would have to purchase an Openview or watch it weekday mornings on e.tv at 11:00.

CBS Reality had been airing a lot of reruns to the show and it's run on eMedia's platforms are very minimal or below average.

SABC Has Revived Top Billing For It's 2026 Content Slate

The SABC is celebrating the return of South Africa's classic 'love it or hate it' magazine show, Top Billing.

The luxury lifestyle show was cancelled in 2019 after 25 years on our TV screens.

The Top Billing comeback was announced during a reunion event featuring former presenters, at a swanky seaside Cape Town hotel.

The show has partnered with Corona to bring viewers a Reunion Special on Thursday 27 November at 7pm on S3. 

Weekly episodes are set to return in March 2026, also available on SABC Plus.

The reunion is the perfect way to bring the show back and segue into what's in store in 2026, says Themba Gwejela, Group Executive for Corporate Affairs and Marketing at the SABC.

"We bring back the familiar faces for the reunion, and are also throwing back in terms of creating excitement around what people can look forward to next year. I think South Africans have really missed Top Billing."

He gives the assurance that, in line with the Top Billing tradition, they will also be introducing new talent to the show.

eMedia Holdings Acquires 30% Stake In Pristine World Holdings

South African media company eMedia Investments, owner of e.tv, has announced the acquisition of a 30% equity stake in Pristine World Holdings, a specialist provider of high-end visual effects (VFX) services to the global film and television industry. The deal, valued at R119 million, marks a strategic move by eMedia to diversify its content creation capabilities and tap into international production markets.

The transaction will be executed through eMedia Investments, with payment directed to Convergence IT Services FZCO, the sole owner of Pristine World Holdings. Convergence is incorporated in the United Arab Emirates, underscoring the international scope of the deal.

In a statement released to investors on Thursday, eMedia highlighted that the investment aligns with its broader strategy to strengthen and diversify revenue streams within its existing media ecosystem. By acquiring a stake in Pristine World Holdings, and by extension, gaining access to its subsidiary MR Factory, a cutting-edge VFX studio, eMedia aims to integrate advanced visual effects technologies into its own production pipeline.

Pristine World’s service offerings include:

• Computer-generated imagery (CGI)

• Motion capture

• Digital compositing

• Animation

These capabilities will enable eMedia to enhance the quality of its content across platforms such as e.tv and eVOD, its video-on-demand service. The investment also positions the company to collaborate on international projects and offer high-end VFX services to external clients.

The timing of the acquisition coincides with eMedia’s ongoing development of its own VFX infrastructure at its Hyde Park studios in Johannesburg. This facility is being built to support real-time visual effects integration, allowing both in-house and third-party productions to benefit from advanced post-production technologies.

eMedia stated:

This investment forms part of eMedia’s strategy to diversify and strengthen its revenue streams within its existing ecosystem. By acquiring a stake in Pristine World (and, in effect, in MR Factory), eMedia gains access to the technology and innovation of MR Factory. It aims to incorporate high-quality visual effects capabilities into its content production pipeline, thus enhancing the quality of its offerings and positioning the eMedia group for international project collaboration.

The transaction is set to become effective on 1 October, pending regulatory approval from the South African Reserve Bank and the finalization of a shareholder agreement between eMedia and Pristine World Holdings.

Catfish: The TV Show Currently Seen On MTV And eReality Has Been Cancelled After 9 Seasons

“Catfish: The TV Show” is dead in the water.

The reality show that investigated deceptive online relationships has been canceled at MTV after nine seasons. The network is allowing the producers to shop the series elsewhere.

Hosted by Nev Schulman, “Catfish” helped people discover the truth about their suspicious digital romances — and sometimes come to terms with the person on the other side of the computer screen. The series is based on Schulman’s 2010 documentary of the same name, which coined the term “catfish” for someone who uses a false identity or stolen photos to deceive others on the internet.

Developed by Schulman, Ariel Schulman and Max Joseph, “Catfish: The TV Show” debuted in 2012 on MTV and ended with Season 9 in July 2024. Nev Schulman and Joseph co-hosted the show for its first seven seasons. In 2018, Joseph was replaced by a rotating list of presenters, including Elle King, Nick Young and Machine Gun Kelly. Eventually, Kamie Crawford joined as a permanent host, joining Schulman for 96 episodes.

“Catfish” not only gave a name to the phenomenon of digital deception. The series also spawned international spinoffs in Colombia, Chile, Brazil, Mexico and the United Kingdom. Its legacy continues on-screen: a recent episode of “The Paper” centered on an employee being catfished by someone impersonating a celebrity, and the current No. 1 documentary on Netflix is titled “Unknown Number: The High School Catfish.”

Since the end of Season 9, the status of “Catfish: The TV Show” was up in the air, as it had not received a renewal or cancellation from MTV amid the restructuring of the Paramount merger. Last month, Schulman announced he had earned his real estate broker’s license and would be helping people buy and sell homes in New York.

The Next New Season Of MasterChef South Africa Will Sizzle On e.tv

Another piping hot edition of MasterChef South Africa is on its way, and this time it will turn up the heat in its new home on eTV. The local version of the world’s best-known and most-loved television cooking competition is set to sizzle on e.tv on Sunday nights at 18:00 from early 2026. In addition to this prime-time screening, MasterChef South Africa Season 6 will also cook up a storm on eReality and eExtra.

“MasterChef is a tasty and spicy television stew infused with all the ingredients our audiences love – rollercoaster action, suspense, high drama, and unforgettable reality show moments,” said Helga Palmer, Group Head of Content and Strategy at eTV. “The South African adaptation, infused with the flavours of local cuisine, has been a winning recipe with a series of successful seasons, and eTV is the perfect broadcaster for this exhilarating format.”

“Collaborating with e.tv is an exciting step in bringing MasterChef South Africa to a broad, culturally diverse South African audience,” Bongumusa Makhatini, CEO of the franchise’s format rights holder for Africa, Primedia Studios, added. “We’re thrilled to have secured a primetime slot on the country’s biggest free-to-air independent broadcaster and its complementary channels, known for serving world-class entertainment to its multitude of viewers. And, we can’t wait to meet all the contestants who’ll whip up the new season’s must-watch moments.”

MasterChef South Africa Season 6 will once again be produced by the multi-award-winning production company Homebrew Films for Primedia Studios. It will be filmed at Atlantic Studios in Cape Town and has been licensed in the territory following an agreement with Banijay Rights.

The previous season of MasterChef South Africa, aired on SABC, kick-started the culinary careers of several contestants, whether a surprisingly disastrous day in the MasterChef Kitchen caused them to hang up their aprons on the show or their delectable dishes saw them dashing to the final.

Season 5 winner Bridget Mangwandi made history on MasterChef by becoming the franchise's youngest titleholder at the age of 18 and the first black woman to win MasterChef South Africa.

“The show has truly transformed my life,” Bridget commented. “Not only did it open all kinds of culinary doors, but throughout the competition, the gruelling challenges, feedback from the show’s esteemed judges, and interaction with the guest judges, all experts in their fields, allowed me to sharpen my skills behind the pots and pans. I strongly encourage all passionate home cooks to seize the opportunity to be part of this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.”

Home cooks from across the country who want to follow in Bridget’s food journey footsteps can now put their name in the pot to win the highly coveted title of “MasterChef” and the R1 million prize awaiting the MasterChef South Africa Season 6 winner. 

Visit the official website at masterchefsa.tv to complete the entry form. The closing date for entries is 16 October 2025 at 23:59.

Who is eligible to enter the competition? To bake, fry, or roast your way to success on the show, you must be a South African citizen above 18 who has never earned a living as a professional chef. 

You simply need to live and breathe food, enjoy spending time in front of the stove, and know how to create the most mouthwatering meals.  

The judges for the sixth season of MasterChef South Africa will be announced in due course. 

Represented internationally by Banijay Entertainment, MasterChef is the world’s most successful cookery television format (Guinness World Records). Now commissioned across 71 markets, the life-changing show has aired over 700 seasons and more than 16,000 episodes to date. Created by Franc Roddam and first launched in 1990, the superbrand is known and enjoyed worldwide.

Competition Tribunal Approve eMedia Holdings Acquisition Of eMedia Investments

The Competition Tribunal has granted unconditional approval for eMedia Holdings (EMH) to proceed with its acquisition plan, which aims to boost its stake in eMedia Investments (EMI).

This merger is a key part of a broader initiative that will enable eMedia shares to be distributed among Remgro’s shareholders. EMH anticipates that this move will provide it with greater control over EMI’s strategic direction while enhancing the liquidity of its stock.

The approval follows a recommendation from the Competition Commission, which indicated that the transaction would not significantly hinder competition within any market. Once the deal is finalised, EMH will have complete authority over EMI.

eMedia Investments owns several entities, including E-tv, Platco Digital, E-sat TV, Yired, SASANI Studios, and eMedia Properties, with Platco Digital managing the satellite service Openview.

EMH is publicly traded on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and is entirely controlled by Hosken Consolidated Investments (HCI). The Commission highlighted that EMH and HCI have diverse investments spanning multiple sectors, such as hospitality, media, transportation, energy, technology, and real estate.

In 2000, a restructuring of the Rembrandt Group led to the formation of VenFin, a holding company that gained joint control of EMI with EMH. Technology investments were assigned to VenFin during this restructuring, while traditional investments remained under Remgro’s control.

Remgro is a South African investment holding company listed on the JSE. It has interests in various sectors, including healthcare, consumer goods, insurance, industry, infrastructure, media, and sports.

According to the Competition Commission, the proposed merger is unlikely to substantially reduce or obstruct competition, as it is described as an internal restructuring with no significant public interest issues.

In their documentation outlining the transaction, eMedia clarified that EMH currently owns approximately 67.69% of EMI, while VenFin holds the remaining shares. Under the new agreement, VenFin will exchange its EMI shares for shares in EMH, which it is obligated to distribute to Remgro’s shareholders immediately.

Should VenFin or Remgro neglect to distribute the shares, EMH retains the right to repurchase them for a total cash amount up to US$3.3 million.

eMedia has stated that this merger will significantly increase EMH’s scale by consolidating complete ownership of EMI under the publicly listed company, ensuring that EMH has both independent and comprehensive control over EMI’s future strategic objectives. Furthermore, the transaction aims to increase the percentage of EMH N shares held by the public, thereby enhancing market liquidity and availability.

Competition Commission Approves eMedia Holdings Proposed Attempt To Acquire Remaining Shares In e.tv And Openview Parent Company

The Competition Commission has recommended that the Competition Tribunal unconditionally approve a proposed transaction that will see eMedia Holdings acquire eMedia Investments.

This will give eMedia Holdings (EMH) independent and complete control over eMedia Investments’ long-term strategic direction, and improve the liquidity of EMH’s shares.

eMedia Investments (EMI) controls the following firms: E-tv, Platco Digital, E-sat TV, Yired, SASANI Studios, and eMedia Properties. Platco Digital operates eMedia’s satellite service Openview.

EMH is listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and is ultimately solely controlled by Hosken Consolidated Investments (HCI).

The Commission noted that EMH and HCI have investments in various firms active in several industries, including hotel and leisure, media and broadcasting, transport, energy, services and technology, and property.

Meanwhile, eMedia Investments is jointly controlled by EMH and VenFin, a holding company formed in 2000 as part of the Rembrandt Group’s restructuring.

During the restructuring, technology investments were held by Venfin, while traditional investments remained with Remgro.

Remgro is a South African, JSE-listed investment holding company with interests in the healthcare, consumer products, insurance, industrial, infrastructure, media, and sports sectors.

“The Commission is of the view that the proposed transaction is unlikely to substantially lessen or prevent competition in any market as it is an internal restructuring,” the Competition Commission said.

“The proposed transaction does not raise significant public interest concerns.”

In a circular explaining the deal, eMedia said that EMH holds the majority of the shares (approximately 67.69%) in EMI, its operating subsidiary, while Venfin holds the remainder.

Under the terms of the deal, Venfin will receive shares in EMH in exchange for its EMI shares, which it must then immediately distribute to Remgro shareholders.

If Venfin or Remgro fails to distribute the shares, EMH has the right to repurchase the shares from either party for an aggregate cash consideration of up to R59,509,547.50.

“The proposed transaction will materially enhance EMH’s scale by consolidating 100% ownership of EMI under the listed entity, and ensure that EMH has independent and full control over EMI’s long-term strategic direction,” it said.

“In addition, for an extended period of time, there has been limited liquidity in the listed EMH N Shares.”

eMedia said that the transaction would create a significantly larger percentage of the EMH N shares held by public shareholders, creating additional free float and liquidity.

Koel Kop Warm Hart, A Brand New Detective Drama Based In France Launches On eExtra This June

eMedia Investments had acquired broadcasting rights to the Franco-Belgian detective television series for eExtra's Kuiertyd titled Koel Kop Warm Hart (Astrid et Raphaëlle, Astrid: Murder in Paris). The series is a co-production of France Télévisions, JLA Productions, Be-Films and RTBF (Belgian television).

Synopsis for Koel Kop Warm Hart

30-year-old Astrid Nielsen is an autistic woman who works discreetly as an archivist for the judicial police and knows every case she has handled. She meets Raphaëlle Coste, then in charge of an investigation into the suicides of doctors. The two solitary women help each other, Astrid offering Raphaëlle a methodology and Raphaëlle offering Astrid behavioural help in return.

It features a duo of policewomen: Major Raphaëlle Coste (addressed as 'Commander'), an impulsive police detective played by Lola Dewaere, and autistic archivist Astrid Nielsen, played by Sara Mortensen.

Koel Kop Warm Hart was broadcast on France 2 on 12th April 2019 and concluded on 3rd April 2020 with 8 episodes each consisting of 52 minutes (excluding pilot). Since it's inception, Koel Kop Warm Hart has accumulated 5 seasons with 41 episodes and plans for a sixth season are underway.

An British adaptation titled Patience launched on Channel 4 earlier in the year with stars Laura Fraser in the Raphaelle part and Ella Maisy Purvis, who is autistic, in the Astrid role. It has yet to rollout in other markets presuming BBC or M-Net will scoop up the rights.

Koel Kop Warm Hart will air on Sundays at 19:30 from 1st June 2025.

SABC Looking To Produce And License Content To Netflix And MultiChoice

SABC is technically insolvent meaning they've been unable to pay off most of their expenses after the government opted to no longer loan them the cash. This had led to them cancelling various content seen on SABC 2 and 3 including 7de Laan, The Estate and soon Muvhango.

In a turnaround plan, SABC is planning to curate exclusive content for the streamer SABC+ after garnering over 800,000 registered users. This may lead to some restructuring for SABC 2 and 3 as seen with Cartoon Network whose content slate is being optimised for streaming.

With SABC not having much cash to cover the expenses of its cast and crew there's a moderate to high chance that this content for SABC+ will not be fully funded by them. Similar to eVOD and Amazon Prime Video, SABC will likely give this partner an exclusive open window before making available to SABC+.

SABC had stated they would like to work with Netflix and MultiChoice on new content as they have already preexisting deals in place with the latter. Some years back, they had expressed interest in potentially reviving SABC 3's former shows Isidingo and Top Billing.

SABC 3 has been loss maker for sometime and MultiChoice and Netflix have the reach and cash to help these shows garner more scale. Maybe this partnership could lead SABC to revive more content like Soul City as some of their older library of shows are doing well streaming wise.

Reviving the latter on SABC 3 wouldn't really do much revenue wise as seen with Warner Bros. Discovery's animation slate. Internationally, this content is garnering traction while it's viewers in the main market would rather view this content online.

Muvhango Reportedly Cancelled Again On SABC 2 Following Relaunch In 2024

With the public broadcaster technically insolvent, they had some run ins with Danie Odendaal Productions over unpaid expenses for the now axed Afrikaans soap 7de Laan. SABC had to scrape the barrel and find some cash in order to film the last batch of episodes from 7de Laan.

Last year, Muvhango being the last remaining soap on SABC 2 was cut short without any notice from the public broadcaster. They thought rehashing the older seasons to the show would draw in audiences but this led to some backlash and public outcry which promoted SABC to resurrect Muvhango.

They promised a new logo, title and so forth none of which came to fruition and deployed Imbewu star Leleti Khumalo in the hopes that she'll elevate the ratings. But Muvhango hasn't recovered since then, after its short cancellation they show had 1 million viewers from September of last year and that dropped to 900,000 by November.

According to South African entertainer Phil Mphela, Muvhango will not be renewed beyond its current season on SABC 2 meaning it will end by mid 2025 presumably by July to September. At this point, I wouldn't be completely shocked if it weren't replaced with another (Venda) soap I mean look at 7de Laan.

Because of SABC's redundancy, consumers have fled to KykNet and e.tv which by the way launched its first Afrikaans soap in 2024, Kelders Van Gehieme. SABC 3 had launched a rival offering to eExtra's Kuiertyd or alternative to 7de Laan which recieves very little notice from the media and other audiences.

SABC in a response to Phil's announcements doesn't deny or confirm the allegations about Muvhango but stated that the contract for the show will end in July 2025 and at this stage there is no update on a renewal. But if I'm being honest I believe this is the end as the viewership continues to plummet for Muvhango while SABC 1's offering sees stability.

SABC 2 becoming another S3???

This is something that has been floating around platforms for sometime as SABC 3 was hovering around 1.5 million viewers by 2013-5 and now they're sitting with under 300,000-600,000. Then there's Muvhango which only had 900,000 and possibly much lower figures into 2025.

It's not only SABC 2 that is seeing a dip in viewership but even SABC 1, e.tv and Mzansi Magic had seen a drop. If there's anything that these drops are indicating is that broadcasters need to rethink their strategies try to figure out drawing people away from these networks and onto Netflix.

My guess originality, most shows tend to recycle themes or storylines and Netflix has plenty of diversity with their offering. This one is targeted at the elephant in the room (SABC), I feel they shouldn't be overspending on local content even knowing that a fraction of households actually pay TV license.

I think S3 has to go now especially if SABC won't be able to accommodate the big 3 or maybe turn it into an overflow of some sorts for SABC+ and their offering on DTT. Things aren't looking good for the SABC I know they envision that they'll be debt free at some point in the future but cable or at least in South Africa is far from recovery.

SuperSport Schools And SABC Sport Announce New Partnership To Expand Youth Sports In South Africa

In a move set to positively influence the landscape of school sports in South Africa, SuperSport Schools, the premier streaming and broadcast platform for schools and youth sports broadcasting, and SABC Sport, a division of the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), are excited to announce yet another joint initiative in the growing partnerships between the public broadcaster and SuperSport.

The collaboration will see the launch of a fully curated SuperSport Schools channel on the SABC+ streaming platform, complementing the access South Africans already have to high-quality schools and youth sport, including football, netball, rugby, athletics, hockey and basketball.

The SuperSport Schools streaming channel on SABC+ will carry a selection of content from SuperSport Schools that filmed over 60 000 school matches in 2024 across a variety of sports disciplines.

The channel will showcase a diverse range of schools and youth sport, including football, netball, rugby, athletics, hockey and basketball.

SuperSport Schools has more than a million registered users with some of the content that has been available on it now getting a second window on SABC+.

Rendani Ramovha, SuperSport CEO, says "We want to encourage participation in sports at a grassroots level and reignite interest in sports across all schools in the country. Both SuperSport and the SABC share a common vision of providing young athletes with a platform to shine and inspiring future generations of sportsmen and women".

Nomsa Chabeli, SABC CEO, in a prepared quote, states "We are proud to be part of this life-changing partnership that extends beyond the fulfilment of the SABC’s mandate, by offering South Africans from all walks of life, a platform that nurtures young talent and provides unparalleled opportunities for personal and professional development".

"This partnership allows the SuperSport Schools channel to be accessible on the SABC+ streaming platform, enabling rising stars to gain recognition in the early stages of their lives, which will lead to more opportunities in the future.”

Thandolwethu Bakumeni, head of SuperSport Schools, says "We are thrilled that the SABC is joining us in the promotion of schools' sport".

"This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission to nurture young talent and make schools and youth sports a key part of South Africa’s cultural fabric.  After all, World Cups are won 10 years before they are played.”

 

Keletso Totlhanyo, head of SABC Sport, says "SABC Sport is dedicated to providing our viewers with the best local sports content, and this new venture with SuperSport Schools will allow us to bring even more exciting and inspirational content to South African homes".

The curated content on the SABC Schools streaming channel on SABC+ will focus on some of the popular and significant sports in South Africa, including football, netball, rugby, athletics, hockey, and basketball.

ICYMI: SuperSport Schools Was Apparently Set To Launch On SABC+ But That Got Delayed

As reported sometime ago, SuperSport Schools was set to announce a new partnership with the SABC but not giving too much notice put up a teaser. It didn't stop consumers to recognise the public broadcaster's through the letters and font incased in the picture with SuperSport Schools remaining hush.

The following day, this teaser was removed from their social platforms which left to some to wonder what was happening with this major announcement. It was confirmed that it got delayed and it's still not clear when we'll get clarity on this but I assume within February or before the end of March.

Of course, this didn't stop readers from snooping around and if you browse MultiChoice's corporate website the cat was kind of out the bag. SuperSport Schools is looking to extend its reach to SABC+, best part the streamer doesn't come with a monthly subscription.

SuperSport Schools had a dedicated app and YouTube channel so the only expense there as seen with SABC+ was data costs. This news doesn't surprise me as SABC had licensed numerous sporting events from SuperSport over the years (including Racing240) so it was only a matter of time.

If anything, it kind of begs the question with SABC looking to launch a decoder will SuperSport Schools perhaps form part of this offering alongside SABC 1-3, SABC Lehae, SABC Sports, SABC Variety and SABC Education. Another would be whether eMedia Investments could explore adding SuperSport Schools for consumers in Openview.

They already have The Home Channel+ and Zee One which are based on The Home Channel and Zee World offering on DStv or could select content from SuperSport Schools form part of the SABC. I mean the SABC had licensed content from SuperSport over the years so why should SuperSport Schools be any different.

SABC Looking To Launch Openview Competitor

With the government set to turnoff (and delay) the analogue signals by 31 March 2025, SABC, e.tv and several provincial stations are set to lose under 5 million consumers. In the past year, SABC and eMedia's top shows experienced a ratings dip and with these turnoffs it will be hard for these stations to generate enough ad revenue.

So the public broadcaster is looking for an investor who will help kickstart their this DTT venture as seen with eMedia Investments whose Openview services have amassed 3 million households. They are hoping to fill up those households who are set to lose their signals and also attract potential Openview and DStv consumers.

They are looking to perform a trial run with about 10,000/100,000 and depending on the demand could seek to increase the supply.

This DTT venture that will come with a once-off fee will comprise of SABC 1-3 alongside additional channels SABC Sport, SABC Education, SABC Variety and SABC Lehae and their 19 radio stations. The public broadcaster was also said to be rolling out a service tailored for SABC+ on this platform.

If anything, there's a lot of mystery with the distribution of funds from what is known this investor will fork out cash for a million decoders. With the public broadcaster technically insolvent they could be more to this deal maybe even a partnership of some sorts.

MultiChoice has several shareholders in various African markets including Zambia's ZBC that holds a 49% stake in the company. Although, there's not much details over the roles and so forth usually whoever is managing the finances is in charge so they could as well commission more content perhaps through the SABC.

This is platform which puts SABC in the top position so there's no reason why it wouldn't be an unlikely scenario. If anything, with the analogue termination set to commence at some point I don't think this new venture can grow their audience if anything perhaps create some division.

When DStv launched, there were consumers saying "I don't use the SABC" as M-Net and SuperSport existed although SABC remained dominant, there was a dip in viewers. If anything, I'm kind of curious to see if this new venture of theirs will succeed in a market where DStv, Openview and streaming take a large chunk of their potential clients.

SuperSport Schools Teasing Something Regarding The SABC

SuperSport Schools is a youth based sports brand operated by SuperSport, a division of MultiChoice following the acquisition of School Sports Live. Since it's inception, the brand had garnered a lot of traction offering a variety of sporting content ranging from football, netball, swimming and rugby.

Not long ago, the broadcaster had teased "Something Big Is Coming" and we can only guess by the font and letters incased in the picture that it relates to SABC. I mean a partnership with the SABC shouldn't come as a surprise as the broadcaster had been having on/off relationship regarding sporting rights.

With MultiChoice and SABC that have settled their disputes regarding sporting rights although remain silent on the conditions one has to wonder if SuperSport Schools was likely attached to this deal.

KykNet recently launched a news segment known as SuperSkole Sport and we can only assume that SABC forged a similar deal. SuperSport Schools could as well be launching a news segment under the SABC or better yet a block of some sort similar to BBC Primetime either on SABC 1-3 and Sport.

If there's one thing I find depressing about this deal is that Easyview consumers have to depend on public stations for weekly football matches and now SuperSport Schools. A similar thing with WildEarth as People's Weather (now People's Planet) distributed SafariLIVE only for that to get yanked and WildEarth offered as consolation.

Update: The announcement had been delayed until further notice 

Why Some Consumers Haven't Lost Hope On SABC And MultiChoice Just Yet?

Through my years of online journalism, you do tend to come across criticism some of these are just troll comments while others come from a good place. This is something that SABC and MultiChoice has been battling with since their inception to the South African market.

As some may have already heard on several occasions, SABC is in financial turmoil relying on bailouts and sponsors to keep them afloat. With their money crisis, it has led to implement several cuts across SABC 1-3 with the government looking to change its funding model which could as well take several years to get into action.

For sometime, SABC has been trying to make an extra buck through MultiChoice by making them collect TV licenses or a household levy. This is because they offer the most watched channels in South Africa (including DStv) and MultiChoice opposes the deal as the broadcaster makes R500 million in advertising with just 4 channels.

MultiChoice is already going through a similar hurdle with its consumer base on DStv and are hoping to get a fresh start with Showmax and the Canal+ deal. Following its split from Vivendi, Canal+ and MultiChoice are hoping to complete this transaction in the beginning of a new financial year April 2025 to help them take on Netflix.

Although Netflix has over 200 million subscribers globally, MultiChoice has 19 million subscribers through DStv and Netflix doesn't have much consumers in Africa which reports estimating these consumers reside in 2 million households by 2023. 

With Canal+ having 8 million subscribers in Francophone Africa with MultiChoice's existing figures it ensures that they are ahead of the competition in Africa.

While some consumers may feel SABC and MultiChoice's services should be rendered redundant these are companies that are helping shape up the local industry and come with history. The unemployment rate is edging close to 50% with 80% of these individuals being youth and their demise will only worsen the problem.

SABC News, eNCA and Newzroom Afrika will be nothing without the funds coming from MultiChoice and although Netflix has been investing locally they're not expected to bulk up to such capacity. In the end, Netflix was only able to garner relevance for its content produced in other countries even with Africa on the map not much would change.

The Eclipse Of Traditional TV: eMedia And MultiChoice Navigate The Streaming Tide

With Comcast looking to offload its cable networks we turn our sites to both MultiChoice and eMedia Investments whose 2024 was somewhat dismal or dramatic at least for one of the two. MultiChoice ousted 11 channels while undergoing a takeover by Canal+ which is awaiting approval from South African regulators.

eMedia Investments has rounded another year with no additions despite promises to add a few more channels as Ultraview's future is being questioned after OUTtv and FUSE reverted to eVOD.

Let's face it, consumers don't prioritise TV as much in recent years as Netflix has become the hangout spot for shows like Squid Games and Wednesday. MultiChoice has been focused on everything from streaming, insurance and cybersecurity but saving the once dominant DStv platform.

Even the financially challenged SABC's top rated soaps are grasping through straws as their viewership continues to plummet. Uzalo that serves as the dominant player amongst the foe stood at 4.8 million in October 2024 which is a 21% drop from 6.1 million in October 2023.

This is the reason MultiChoice has been selective when it comes to sourcing content take for instance Zee Zonke. The only reason this channel was able to stay afloat is due to Zee TV's existing footprint in the market same goes for SuperSport Schools that established it's presence on YouTube as School Sports Live.

If anything things haven't been greener for eMedia's Ultraview offering as part of its offering had been merged with eVOD, consumers are curious on what's next for the brand. Since it's rollout, it was met with heavy criticism for its pricing and content offering while being compared to DStv so a majority are expecting for it to be dismantled.

When it was introduced, Eskom was going full force with power cuts although that withered DStv hasn't recovered and as for Ultraview it never had a fighting chance. Remember eMedia Investments hadn't disclosed consumer numbers for Ultraview but it's assumed to have under 500 subscribers.

In general, adding new channels has been more riskier in recent years MultiChoice had done that with One Freestate Televisual and NWTV which lasted for about 3 months. Even if the plan were to restructure, SABC has done that numerous times with SABC 3 and it still hasn't saved its fallen viewership.

Elif Rebroadcasts Move From 09:30 To 16:00 On e.tv And This Is Due To ePlesier's New Show Die Agentskap

 As reported a month ago, ePlesier will be airing it's first exclusive show this month titled Die Agentskap from 2nd December. This series was allocated on eVOD earlier in the year and had been M.I.A. as eExtra allocated more recent shows from the streamer such as Op Dun Ys and Pad Na Die Hart.

There had been questions from several viewers about how eMedia Investments is planning to accommodate Die Agentskap as ePlesier is a repeats channel so the viewership would be minimal. Plans are underway to make daytime repeats available on e.tv at 9:30 as Elif's rebroadcast move almost two hours before it's premiere at 4PM.

For those wondering why Die Agentskap is not airing on eExtra, it had been alleged that reception for the series was dismal after being allocated on eVOD. With eExtra already at it wits with Op Dun Ys can't afford to lose viewers therefore opted to dump the series on ePlesier where the viewership is minimal.

Honestly this is a trend in other countries where channels would often discard a program if it failed to garner traction at least in Die Agentskap's case it gets promotion. Others to have fallen either had received very little marketing with some ousted from viewer's grasp.

Die Agentskap's debut on ePlesier has only made e.tv's schedule more bloated with repeats there's eExtra's primetime shows in the daytime and lastly rebroadcasts of Z'Bondiwe and Nikiwe. Then you have Elif moving to 4PM and it's previous slot as mentioned is being phased out for another repeat.

This has left e.tv with more reruns aside from eExtra's catch-up slots, the channel is already airing Nikiwe and Z'Bondiwe

MultiChoice And SABC Settle Dispute With eMedia Investments Regarding Sports

As some have already read, eExtra alongside eMedia's other Openview channels such as eMovies, eMovies Extra and eToonz won't be exiting DStv anytime soon as MultiChoice and eMedia Investments have come to an agreement. Although, the finer details of this transaction have yet to be known by the media.

Another topic that was addressed within eMedia Investments annual results for 30 September 2024 was the matter of the Rugby World Cup. This was something eMedia Investments had been battling to get onto Openview after MultiChoice denied other platforms aside from that of SABC's DTT the right to view the content.

This led SABC to change transmission for these channels once these games come on through platforms outside SABC's DTT and DStv which is what prompted this battle. MultiChoice accused eMedia Investments of free riding and wanting to broadcast the content without paying a cent.

eMedia Investments had pitched a sum in which MultiChoice deemed too low and from what other sources mention SABC's bid was a lot higher. It took local legislation to pressure these broadcasters into reaching an agreement which saw these games getting reduced even further.

When MultiChoice blocked other platforms from getting rugby it was so that SABC could pay less and get the bulk of content associated with a free-to-air broadcaster. Then after eMedia Investments came into the picture it has been theorised that MultiChoice had to reduce the amount of games given to the SABC.

Now all three parties have settled the matter of course it's not really known how they managed to settle the matter but it isn't something that they can keep secretive forever. MultiChoice has been in such disputes with both parties several times and this isn't something you'd expect to go away that easily.

SABC And e.TV Are Likely To Be Reliant On DStv As Millions Of Households Still Recieving Analogue Signals Will Be Left In The Dark

As some readers have been made aware, SABC 1-3 will be transitioning away from analogue TV on 31 December 2024 a process that had been delayed the government for more than a decade. They put up various banners addressing the situation with e.tv that has yet to do so as they opt to once again delay/scrap the switch off.

Several countries had already turned off their signals as this current method of watching TV has been deemed outdated for sometime. As you can rely on a smart TV for these channels and best part pick up additional channels even the likes of Openview and DStv can help combat this situation.

Trust me when I mention that the government should have never opted to delay the switch yes there was millions still reliant on their aerial but this problem could have lessened by 2024. MultiChoice was always accustomed to catering for a selection of consumers and now free-to-air operators will have to adjust to this current structure.

Having SABC 1's viewership minimised as some households will probably be watching SABC Sport or eReality and with MultiChoice having SuperSportBET, DStv Insurance and Namola to obtain some revenue. These operators are now going to have to find other means to recover this lost revenue.

If there's anyone that's going to suffer more from this it's the SABC while eMedia Investments went ahead and launched Openview ahead of the switch off were able to garner some income and grow their fanbase. Although SABC had followed similar routes with SABC Education and SABC Lehae on DTT very little income is being generated.

Now SABC is trying to make a DStv a cash cow by trying to make its parent company either pay for SABC 1-3 or help in collecting TV licence despite making R500 million in advertising. These are just ideas that have been in development hell for more than a decade alongside the rest of the public broadcaster.

This was something that TVWithThinus had mentioned from time and time again the government had failed the SABC. If it didn't SABC News wouldn't be financed by MultiChoice and I believe if they were more involved they would have tried improving the SABC's financial situation.

At this stage, the public broadcaster can't survive in its current structure without some financial backing maybe they could look into minimising the amount of local content on SABC 1. There's already DStv and a global player like Netflix even e.tv has increased its local investment in recent years.

If there's anyone that can survive in SABC's shoes it would be MultiChoice as consumers are paying for the content being viewed on Mzansi Magic and Moja Love alongside Netflix.