Canal+'s MultiChoice Begins Due Diligence

MultiChoice’s new owner, Canal+ S.A., has reportedly suspended payments to the broadcaster’s suppliers and demanded 20% discounts on invoices as part of a cost-cutting exercise.

According to an insider at the broadcaster who spoke to Business Times, MultiChoice’s procurement head is currently sitting with hundreds of unpaid invoices from suppliers affected by the strategy.

The broadcasting giant said it was part of its efforts over the past two years to reduce costs and increase efficiency.

“This has continued following the completion of the Canal+ merger, and MultiChoice is engaging with suppliers in this regard,” MultiChoice said.

“Managing spend in the business is important to ensure that MultiChoice continues to play a key role in the South African and African broadcasting ecosystem over the long term.”

MultiChoice said these adjustments would allow it to support numerous industries and fulfil its extensive public interest commitments made to the Competition Tribunal.

Those commitments form part of the conditions for Canal+’s acquisition of MultiChoice, which was completed last month.

The conditions include Canal+ procuring local content from historically disadvantaged persons and small businesses.

Competition Commission spokesperson Siya Makunga told Business Times that the commission would investigate whether the acquisition’s conditions had been breached.

Canal+ Africa CEO David Mignot previously explained that the French firm did not have access to privileged MultiChoice operational information before the acquisition.

He described the start of Canal+’s due diligence on MultiChoice as “opening the engine,” presumably referring to figuring out what made the broadcaster tick and how it can be optimised.

Mergence Investment Managers’ chief investment officer, Peter Takaendesa, told Business Times that the cost-cutting programme was unsurprising.

“The MultiChoice group is in a difficult financial position, given the large losses and cash burn from the relaunch of Showmax, as well as revenue pressure in its mature South African operations.”

“We also believe the new owners of MultiChoice will be looking to align its operating structures with those of Canal+ over the coming 12–18 months.”

November 2025 On TNT Across Africa | Channel Premiere: Fast X | Wild Beats Weekend Featuring Madagadcar | More

* Premieres in bold

Wild Beats Weekend!

Stunt

This November, TNT brings the wild to life with a vibrant animated marathon full of energy, music, and heart. From jungle adventures to icy dance floors, it’s a celebration of nature, rhythm, and unforgettable storytelling.

Saturday, 8 November

15:10 Madagascar (2005)

16:40 Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (2008)

18:25 Madagascar: Europe’s Most Wanted (2012)

20:00 Penguins of Madagascar (2014)

Sunday, 9 November

14:45 Rio (2011)

16:25 Rio 2 (2014)

18:10 Happy Feet (2006)

20:00 Happy Feet Two (2011)

High Alert

Stunt

This month, TNT ignites the screen with HIGH ALERT—a pulse-pounding movie event packed with explosive premieres and nonstop action. From global threats to tactical showdowns, every title is built to thrill and keep viewers on edge.

Friday, 7 November

18:45 Under Siege (1992)

20:30 Armageddon (1998)

Friday, 14 November

18:50 Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985)

20:30 Crimson Tide (1995)

Friday, 21 November

18:10 War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)

20:30 Broken Arrow (1996)

Friday, 28 November

18:40 San Andreas (2015)

20:30 Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011)

Legends Live Loud

Stunt

Start your week by celebrating the icons who defined action cinema every Monday this month. Heroes, rebels, and warriors return in a high-impact lineup of unforgettable classics and explosive premieres.

Monday, 3 November

20:30 Commando (1985)

22:05 Top Gun (1986)

Monday, 10 November

20:30 Marked for Death (1990)

22:10 Cobra (1986)

Monday, 17 November

20:30 Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)

23:05 Fight Club (1999)

Monday, 24 November

20:30 Mad Max (1979)

22:05 Alien (1979)

Fast X

TNT Hit

Fast X roars onto TNT Africa as the TNT Hit of the Month—an explosive blockbuster from the iconic Fast & Furious franchise. Packed with high-octane action and star power, it’s guaranteed to drive viewership and fan excitement across the continent.

*Channel premieres are in yellow text*

Sunday, 2 November

20:00 Fast X (2023)

November 2025 On WBD's Other Cable Networks In Africa | Channel Premiere Including The Serial Killer's Apprentice | Returning Shows Including 100 Day Dream Home | More

Channel Premieres

 

The Pelicot Rape Case (TLC SA)

An examination of the alleged crimes and trial of Dominique Pelicot. Featuring interviews with those who witnessed the trial.

First TX: 16 November

TX Day: Sunday 

TX Time: 21:00

Last TX: 16 November

Hunted by My Husband: The Untold Story of the DC Sniper (Investigation Discovery)

In 2002, John Muhammad kills 10 people in a series of sniper attacks in DC. His real target, his ex-wife Mildred, shares her story of survival.

First TX: 30 November

TX Day: Sunday

TX Time: 21:00

Last TX: 30 November

Trapped: What is Happening to Wendy Williams? (Investigation Discovery)

Explore Wendy Williams' struggles and the high-profile legal battle stripping her of rights. Wendy and insiders speak out, sharing exclusive details.

First TX: 16 November

TX Day: Sunday

TX Time: 21:00

Last TX: 16 November

The Last Party: Death on Tresco (Investigation Discovery)

23-year-old Josh Clayton mysteriously disappeared off one of Britain's private islands. He was last seen at a party hosted by a member of the aristocratic Dorrien-Smith family. Now, Josh's family must explore the dark rumors surrounding his death.

First TX: 9 November

TX Day: Sunday

TX Time: 21:00

Last TX: 9 November

The Serial Killer's Apprentice S1 (Investigation Discovery)

Dr. Katherine Ramsland interviews Elmer Wayne Henley, the sole survivor of the 1973 Houston Mass Murders, to unravel his chilling journey from manipulated teen to convicted killer — and the terrifying truth behind the line between victim and predator.

First TX: 2 November

TX Day: Sunday

TX Time: 21:00

Last TX: 2 November

Jonathan Ross Haunted Homecoming (Investigation Discovery)

Jonathan Ross returns to the scenes of his youth, to discover the darker side of London's East End and the sinister secrets hidden within.

First TX: 1 November

TX Day: Saturday

TX Time: 21:00

Last TX: 1 November

Murder Under Friday Night Lights S1 & S2 (Real Time)

This true-crime series explores shocking murders that shatter the dream world of high school football.

First TX: 3 November

TX Day: Everyday 

TX Time: 22:30

Last TX: 14 November

Death By Fame S1

A behind-the-scenes look at what happens when Hollywood dreams turn deadly. 

First TX: 13 November

TX Day: Everyday

TX Time: 22:30

Last TX: 18 November

Returning shows/new seasons

• Gold Rush S16 - Mondays at 20:05 from 17 November on Discovery Channel 

• In the Eye of the Storm S2B - Wednesdays at 21:00 from 26 November on Discovery Channel 

• Hustlers Gamblers Crooks S2 - Sundays at 21:00 from 30 November on Discovery Channel 

• Ant Anstead: Born Mechanic S2 - Fridays at 21:00 from 21 November on Discovery Channel 

• Baggage Battles S5 - weekdays at 16:40 from 10 November on Discovery Channel 

• Kindig Customs S7 - weekdays at 06:00 from 4 November on Discovery Channel 

• 90 Day Fiance UK S3 - Thursdays at 22:00 from 20 November on TLC SA

• The Bad Skin Clinic S7B - Fridays at 21:00 from 21 November on TLC SA 

• Sister Wives S13 - Wednesdays at 21:50 on TLC Africa from 5 November and Mondays at 22:00 from 24 November on TLC SA

• House Hunters S234 to S243 - Everyday at 06:00 on TLC Africa from 1 November on TLC Africa

• Holmes Family Rescue S2B - Wednesdays at 21:00 from 5 November on HGTV 

• First Time Fixers S2 - Thursdays at 21:00 from 13 November on HGTV 

• 100 Day Dream Home S6 - Tuesdays at 21:00 from 25 November on HGTV 

• House Hunters International S203 and S204 - Everyday at 20:10 from 9 November on HGTV 

• Alex Vs. America S5 - Wednesdays at 17:00 from 5 November on Food Network 

• Christmas Cookie Challenge S8 - Fridays at 17:00 from 7 November on Food Network 

• Beat Bobby Flay: Holiday Throwdown S3 - Mondays at 16:05 from 24 November on Food Network 

• Holiday Baking Championship S11 - Saturdays at 17:00 from 22 November on Food Network 

• Holiday Wars S6 - Saturdays at 16:05 from 8 November on Food Network 

• The Kitchen S32 + S35 - Weekdays at 14:00 from 17 November on Food Network

• American Monster S11 - Sundays at 21:00 from 17 November on Investigation Discovery 

• Help! My House is Haunted S6 - Saturdays at 21:00 from 8 November on Investigation Discovery 

• House Hunters International S128 & S129 - weekdays at 06:00 from 5 November on Travel Channel 

• Salvage Hunters S10 - Tuesday at 17:35 & 18:25 from 11 November on Discovery Family 

• Texas Metal S5 - weekdays at 16:45 from 3 November on Discovery Family 

• Barefoot Contessa: Back To Basics S15 & S13 - weekdays at 11:15 from 20 November on Real Time 

• Pool Kings S9 - Everyday at 15:50 from 9 November on Real Time 

• Tournament Of Champions S6: The Qualifers - Tuesday, 18 & 25 November at 16:05

• Tournament Of Champions: The Bracket Reveal - Tuesday, 25 November at 17:55

Canal+ Looking To Acquire Comcast's Stake In Showmax

Canal+ is mulling the possibility of buying out the remaining stake in African streaming platform, Showmax, from Comcast Corporation.

According to Bloomberg, this is part of efforts by the French media firm to consolidate its operations on the continent after it bought controlling stakes in Multichoice, the owners of GOtv and DStv, which owns the rest of Showmax.

Currently, the company is working with advisers on the potential purchase of Comcast’s 30 per cent stake in Showmax, which is the largest streaming platform in Africa.

The people familiar with discussions also told the publication that the considerations are preliminary and there’s no guarantee they would lead to a transaction.

Comcast acquired the stake in Showmax from MultiChoice through its NBCUniversal unit in 2023, and relaunched the streaming service last year on its Peacock streaming platform.

An acquisition could offer support to Showmax which competes with other large streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon’s Prime on the continent. Unlike the latter duo, Showmax is only available in Africa with a presence in 44 countries including Nigeria.

Canal+ is moving ahead with its plans for a secondary inward listing on South Africa’s Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) after taking full control of Showmax’s owner MultiChoice last month.

Canal+ now holds 94.39 per cent of MultiChoice’s shares and will acquire the remaining stake under Section 124(1) of South Africa’s Companies Act, which permits compulsory acquisition when an offer has been accepted by shareholders holding more than 90 per cent of target shares.

MultiChoice shares will be suspended from trading on JSE and A2X beginning Monday, October 27, with complete delisting expected on December 10, subject to regulatory approvals.

Remaining MultiChoice shareholders have until December 5 to exercise their rights to apply to a court regarding the acquisition. After this date, Canal+ will proceed with the compulsory purchase at the same terms and consideration as the original offer.

The transaction has received necessary regulatory approvals, including from South Africa’s Financial Surveillance Department.

The payment to remaining shareholders will be made on December 5, with unclaimed funds held in trust according to legal requirements.

Padamati's Love Story Coming Soon To Zee One

Zee One, an English dubbed Bollywood based entertainment channel operated by Zee Entertainment Enterprises is set rollout a new Tamil series called Padamati's Love Story. Known in India as Sandhya Raagam, it serves as a remake to Padamati Sandhya Raagam.

Synopsis for Padamati's Love Story. 

The tale of "Sandhya Raagam" intricately weaves a tapestry of familial bonds, cultural clashes, and personal struggles, all set against the backdrop of love, loss, and redemption. At its core, the narrative revolves around the deep-seated affection shared between Janaki and Sandhiya, siblings raised in the warm embrace of a close-knit family in a quaint small town. Their idyllic existence is shattered when Janaki's marriage to Kishore is overshadowed by his subsequent elopement with Sandhya, sending shockwaves through the entire family.

Despite their abrupt departure to Houston, America, Sandhya persistently seeks to maintain a connection with Janaki, her efforts stymied by the disapproval of her rigid in-laws. Across the ocean, Kishore and Sandhiya find solace in each other's company, birthing a daughter, Maaya, whose upbringing straddles the cultural boundaries of her Indian heritage and American surroundings, her talent in Bharatnatyam a testament to her diverse upbringing.

Tragedy strikes the family when Sandhiya receives a devastating diagnosis of incurable cancer, prompting Janaki to bridge the chasm of estrangement and reunite with her ailing sister.

It starred Sandhya Jagarlamudi as Janaki Raghuram and Antara Swarnakar as Maaya Srinivasan in leading roles.

Padamati's Love Story had been broadcast on Zee Tami from October 9, 2023 and serves as an ongoing drama on the channel. Since it's inception, over 500 half hour episodes had been produced with two adaptations.