In 2023, eMedia Investments' unveiled plans to rival with MultiChoice's DStv with the launch of Ultraview. It served as an add-on to the current Openview offering and comprised of two packages the first package EDGE offered youth based content with the other Spice TV offering Bollywood stories.
Spice TV comprised of just two channels Star Select and Zee Family served as the remainder of eMedia Investments' pay-tv venture. It managed to outlive EDGE which was discontinued last year with its offering folded under the Pride tile through eVOD.
During the week, eMedia Investments and MultiChoice added Star Khanya, a new Zulu dubbed Bollywood channel from Jiostar who also distribute Star Life in Africa. Unbeknownst to viewers was the sudden removal of Star Select and Zee Family on Openview.
eMedia Investments has killed that part of its business as it wasn't financially stable and the channels in question couldn't be probably monetised. Spice TV was the only popular addition to Ultraview and this stemmed from the fact that Openview already offered Star Life and Zee One.
Fact of the matter is linear TV has been in decline in favour of streaming in South Africa compared to the rest of Africa and MultiChoice has been losing consumers from all areas of its DStv offering. Ultraview couldn't compete in an already competitive landscape.
e.tv is proud to announce the debut of Ithemba Alibulali, a gripping Zulu-dubbed drama that promises to capture hearts and inspire viewers across South Africa. Starting on Tuesday 19 August and airing weekdays at 4PM, the series is a powerful tale of determination, sacrifice, and the unwavering belief that hope is unstoppable.
The story follows Rani, a young woman with a lifelong dream of becoming a doctor, as she navigates the complexities of her marriage to an emotionally distant surgeon, motherhood, and the weight of societal expectations.
With its universal themes and culturally rooted storytelling, Ithemba Alibulali is set to resonate deeply with South African audiences. The show's relatable characters, engaging plot twists, and emotional depth will keep viewers hooked from Mondays to Fridays.
“Ithemba Alibulali is more than just a series it’s a story that mirrors the struggles and triumphs many of our viewers face every day,” says Helga Palmer, Manager of Local Productions at e.tv, “By bringing it to life in isiZulu, we’re ensuring that the message of perseverance and hope connects directly to the hearts of our audience. We believe viewers will see themselves in Rani’s journey and feel empowered to chase their own dreams.”
Don’t miss the debut of Ithemba Alibulali weekdays at 4PM on e.tv.
DStv, in collaboration with JioStar, is launching Star Khanya — a general entertainment channel with a lineup of Indian telenovelas and soapies dubbed in isiZulu and subtitled in English. It starts on 18th August 2025 on DStv Channel 160, Star Khanya will be available to Premium, Compact Plus, Compact, Family, and Access customers.
Tunte - Mon - Sun 6 pm CAT
Tunte’s extraordinary journey of becoming a fashion designer
Tunte is the inspiring story of a small-town girl with big dreams. Coming from a rural weaving family, Tunte moves to the city to become a fashion designer but ends up working as a house help in a wealthy household. Her resilience and determination help her fight social barriers and chase her dreams.
Uthando Lweqiniso - Mon- Sun 6:30 pm CAT
Anandi escapes an abusive marriage to reclaim her life
Follow Anandi’s journey, a woman determined to rebuild her life after escaping a difficult marriage. Despite the stigma of being divorced, she faces society’s judgments with courage and hope.
Titli - Mon - Sun 7 pm CAT
Titli, a hearing-impaired girl, aspires to fly
Titli follows the inspiring journey of a young, ambitious girl who loses her hearing in a childhood accident but refuses to give up on her dreams. Determined to become a pilot, she moves cities, where she finds an ally in Sunny, the son of her father’s friend—together, they strive to overcome every obstacle to make her dream take flight
Elinye Ithuba Mon -Sun 7:30 pm CAT
Pallavi, a young widow, gives life a second chance
The show revolves around Pallavi, a young widow who bravely navigates familial responsibilities, and Raghav, a guarded business tycoon. Their paths cross, igniting a complex and emotional union
Isivumelwano Mon - Sun 8 pm CAT
Two young lives sealed in a contract marriage
A story about a spirited young woman raised in an orphanage, as she crosses paths with a respected criminal lawyer. United by a contract marriage, they help clear an innocent man’s name while navigating deception, family secrets, and unexpected love
Ithemba Alibulali Mon - Sun 8:30 pm CAT
Career Or Motherhood, Follow Rani's Inspiring Journey.
A determined young woman who dreams of becoming a doctor. After marrying the emotionally distant surgeon, Rani discovers she’s pregnant—but refuses to give up her aspirations. The show blends personal struggles with societal expectations, celebrating resilience, ambition, and the balance between motherhood and career.
Unami na? Mon-Sun 9 pm CAT
After his wife’s death, a movie star is guarded by her ghostly presence
This show blends horror and romance in a gripping tale of love, loss, and the supernatural. After his beloved wife tragically dies, superstar Swaraj Joshi is haunted by her memory—until her soul returns to uncover hidden evils and guide him toward a new soulmate.
Inhliziyo Ayiphakelwa Mon-Sun 9:30 pm CAT
Two contrasting lives united by twist of fate
A strong-willed woman who resists marriage clashes with a feared local gangster. Their intense confrontations gradually spark unexpected chemistry and love. Set in the culturally rich town, the series blends drama, romance, and societal themes.
Update: The channel will be available on Openview channel 144.
MultiChoice is set to announce that it will be adding it's second Zulu dubbed Bollywood channel called Star Khanya to the DStv platform soon. This comes two years after the rollout of Zee Zonke with the channel proving to be a popular addition and with Star Khanya set to bolster this lineup.
Star Khanya comes from Disney Star who are responsible for brands like Star Life, Vijay TV and StarPlus on DStv. The channel is set to rollout with 8 new series: IThemba Alibulali, Inhliziyo Ayiphakelwa: Blind Love, Titli, Unami Na?, Tunte, Elinye Ithuba, Uthando Lweqiniso and Isivumelwano.
Titli
Titli follows the journey of a girl who aspires to become a pilot despite suffering from hearing impairment overcoming all the hurdles she faces. The story starts with Titli's childhood, her choice was to listen to variety of sounds. One day, a plane crashes near her and a dangerous sound of that plane damages her eardrums.
One day, she goes to the crashed plane and takes oath that she will be a pilot. However to achieve her dream she ended up in Kolkata in her father's rich friend Aparesh Bose's house. She will also have to win the heart of every person in the Bose house.
She befriends Sunny, a YouTuber and a food blogger, and the youngest son of Aparesh Bose, who also befriends Titli. But the Bose family doesn't approve of their friendship. However, with Rekha (sunny's mother), Sunny and Kinni by her side, Titli has nothing to fear.
It stars Madhupriya Chowdhury as Titli Sanyal Bose – Pilot and Aryann Bhowmik as Sunny Bose – YouTuber, food vlogger and businessman.
Tunte
The story of the serial Tunte revolves around a skilled artisan and weaver, who embarks on a quest to fulfill her dreams of becoming a fashion designer.
Tunte will take the viewers on a rollercoaster ride of emotions as we witness Tunte's relentless pursuit of her passion amidst the twists and turns of fate. Raised in a village, Tunte dreams of making her mark in the fashion world in a bustling city. However, destiny takes an unexpected turn when she finds herself working as a househelp in the influential Business family of Lahiri’s, renowned for their chain of retail stores. Tunte's dreams of becoming a fashion designer appear to shatter, but her indomitable spirit refuses to be crushed.
Through the narrative, the show unravels the challenges Tunte encounters on her path to becoming a fashion designer. The show delves into the often unseen struggles faced by Tunte being a househelp, shedding light on the importance of fighting for her rights and aspirations. Tunte's tale becomes a powerful symbol of empowerment and resilience, inspiring viewers to stand up against societal barriers and never give up on their dreams.
Dipanwita Rakhshit will essay the character of Tunte, capturing her strength, determination, and unwavering spirit with remarkable finesse. Syed Arefin will be seen as Rongon, the youngest son of the Lahiri family, who will become an unexpected ally in Tunte's journey, providing support and encouragement during her quest.
Elinye Ithuba
Elinye Ithuba (Mehndi Hai Rachne Waali) centres around Pallavi Deshmukh, a widowed daughter-in-law of the Deshmukh family. Despite being loved as a daughter by most of the family members, she faces challenges, especially from Sulochana and Amruta. Pallavi manages the Deshmukh Saree Emporium for her father-in-law, Vijay Deshmukh. The plot takes a turn when Raghav Rao, a business tycoon with an arrogant and reckless demeanour, enters Pallavi's life, leading to misunderstandings based on their different personalities.
The series stars Shivangi Khedkar as Pallavi Deshmukh Rao, Caretaker of Deshmukh Saree Emporium and Sai Ketan Rao as Raghav Rao – Don of Hyderabad; Jewellery Designer and owner of Jayati Jewels.
Uthando Lweqiniso
Uthando Lweqiniso (Poongatru Thirumbuma) promises a gripping narrative and a talented cast, including Shobanaa Uthaman, Eshan Shyam, and Sameer in pivotal roles.
Uthando Lweqiniso will centre around a woman trapped in a complex and distressing marriage with a psychologically unstable husband. The storyline is expected to delve into intense emotions, drama, and the protagonist’s journey of resilience, making it a compelling watch for audiences.
Shobanaa Uthaman will play the titular role, bringing her depth and experience to the character. Having made a mark in Tamil television, she is best known for her portrayal of Muthazhagu in the popular serial Muthazhagu. Her strong screen presence and ability to portray complex emotions have earned her a loyal fan following. With Uthando Lweqiniso, she is set to take on another powerful role that is expected to resonate with viewers.
Joining Shobanaa Uthaman in this intense drama are actors Eshan Shyam and Sameer, who will play key roles in the narrative. Their performances are expected to add layers to the storytelling, creating an engaging on-screen dynamic.
Isivumelwano
Isivumelwano (Tharala Tar Mag!) tells the story of an optimistic girl who was raised in an orphanage. She meets her biological father Raviraj, but they are unaware of each other's identities. Sayali alias Tanvi, is grown in orphanage and has a sweet, kind disposition. Arjun, humble despite his wealth, is a leading criminal lawyer. Sayali is looking for a lawyer to argue in a case related to Madhubhau, who was falsely accused and arrested for Vilas' murder which was done by Sakshi with Priya by her side.
Arjun's family had planned his engagement with Priya (masquerading as "Fake Tanvi"). But Arjun loathed love and marriage because of his traumatic past, including Sakshi's betrayal of Arjun's friend's death. In particular, he had no desire to marry Priya. So, Arjun agrees to take up Sayali's case on the condition that she would agree to one-year contract marriage with him.
After she agrees, the two go to the temple on Arjun's engagement day. After registering the marriage, Arjun and Sayali reach the engagement venue, and Arjun announces his marriage to Sayali to his family, thereby stopping the engagement. Sayali goes to Arjun's house and they pretend to be husband and wife in front of the family. Meanwhile, Priya, Sakshi Shikhare, her father Mahipat and Raviraj's brother Nagraj plot against Sayali and Arjun to make them cease the Madhubhau case.
It is based on an official remake of Tamil TV series Roja, Jui Gadkari as Sayali Madhukar Patil / Tanvi Killedar / Sayali Subhedar and Amit Bhanushali as Arjun Subhedar.
IThemba Alibulali
IThemba Alibulali (Tomader Rani) follows the story of Rani, a young, independent woman who dreams of leading a better life, overcoming societal barriers and personal struggles. The show revolves around her journey of self-discovery, as she battles the expectations of her family, her society, and the pressures of tradition.
Rani hails from a poor family, and her world revolves around her loved ones. She is known for her intelligence, perseverance, and nurturing nature. Despite facing numerous challenges, Rani is determined to rise above her circumstances. Her life takes a major turn when she gets involved with Arjun, a young and successful businessman who hails from a wealthy family. Their contrasting worlds—her humble roots and his privileged lifestyle—form the crux of the drama.
Rani is played by Madhumita Sarkar, the protagonist of the show. Rani is depicted as a girl full of dreams and aspirations. Madhumita's performance in this role is highly appreciated, as she brings a sense of vulnerability, strength, and authenticity to the character.
Arjun is played by Soham Chakraborty, a wealthy businessman with a good heart. He is shown to have a modern and progressive outlook, but his journey involves a lot of emotional growth as he navigates his relationship with Rani and his family. Arjun’s character is a mixture of confidence and vulnerability, and Soham's portrayal has earned praise for making him a relatable yet charismatic figure.
Unami Na?
Unami Na? (Sang Tu Aahes Ka?) follows Swaraj Joshi, a renowned superstar, makes a comeback to the film industry after a three-year hiatus, burdened by a mysterious past. Dr. Vaibhavi longs to meet him, finds herself drawn into a web of enigmatic events. She delivers a cake to Anandwan on Swaraj's birthday, an encounter that exposes her to a ghostly apparition marked with a symbol. Her encounter takes a terrifying turn as Kabir rescues her, leaving her haunted by the symbol etched on the ghost's foot. Abhay and Krutika plot against Swaraj. Sulakshana, determined to secure Swaraj's wealth, promises Krutika marriage to him as a will clause requires his wife's signature. The vengeful ghost injures Sulakshana after she gives her word. Dr. Vaibhavi crosses paths with Swaraj at the market, unaware of his true identity. Swaraj reluctantly agrees to marry Krutika after the anniversary of Dr. Vaibhavi's tragic demise.
It stars Siddharth Chandekar as Swaraj Shashikant Joshi: Dr. Vaibhavi's husband and Ghost Vaibhavi's widower, Saaniya Chaudhari as Vaibhavi "Taisaheb" Joshi (Ghost): Swaraj's first and late wife and Shivani Rangole-Kulkarni as Dr. Vaibhavi "Sona" Joshi: Swaraj's second wife.
Inhliziyo Ayiphakelwa: Blind Love
Inhliziyo Ayiphakelwa: Blind Love (Yed Lagla Premacha) revolves around Manjiri, a resilient woman who can face the world alone but fears marriage. Her life takes an unexpected turn with the entry of Raaya, a local thug. The show explores their relationship and the challenges they face, including threats, revenge plots, and family conflicts. One key plot point involves Raaya's true identity being revealed as Manjiri's brother.
Manjiri is portrayed by Pooja Birari as a strong and independent woman who is initially hesitant about marriage. Raaya portrayed by Vishhal Nikam, a local thug, enters Manjiri's life, and their relationship becomes a central focus of the show. The story involves various twists, including Shashikala's vengeful actions against Manjiri and the revelation of Raaya and Jay being brothers.
Update: the channel will be available on Openview channel 144.
Following the successful rollout of Zee Zonke on DStv, it looks MultiChoice is looking to expand this offering with another TV channel on the platform. This news comes just after reports that eMedia Investments is also looking to venture into this crowded space with Uzozisola - Regrets.
Not much has been disclosed about the channel but by looking at the content in question it's clear that Star India is distributing this brand to the platform. Star India already offers Star Life, Vijay TV and StarPlus brands on DStv.
There was a report I was planning to make regarding another channel on DStv some consumers probably wouldn't have noticed it, Zambezi Reloaded.
Zambezi Reloaded was a pop-up channel similar to the Switch'd On channels on DStv which served as a catch-up channel to content viewed on Zambezi Magic. What was weird about this was MultiChoice's sudden decision to remove the channel by the end of July.
Switch'd On remains operational despite Eskom winding down on power cuts so can we only assume that maybe MultiChoice's reason for removing Zambezi Reloaded has to do with this channel. Maybe MultiChoice is looking to allocate it on channel 165 but I'd imagine them wanting to allocate it next to Zee Zonke.
It could as well be that ROK moves from channel 168 to 165.
As for the content part of this brand, this yet to be launched channel features shows like Tunte, Elinye Ithuba (Mehndi Hai Rachne Waali), Uthando Lweqiniso (likely Poongatru Thirumbuma) and Isivumelwano (Tharala Tar Mag!).
