DStv And Openview Channel Changes From 01 January 2025 To 31 March 2026

Continuing onto 2024, MultiChoice hasn't been productive in new channel allocations we can only assume this had to do with the loss in DStv consumers. With Canal+ that takeover in 2025 is working on trying to reverse these losses.

We're going to divulge on the number of developments to have occured between 1 January 2025 to 31 March 2026.

As we've previously mentioned, MultiChoice hasn't done much in terms of additions with Star Khanya that made its 2025 slate followed by Base Pulse in 2026. There was also the rebrand of E! to Bravo and Trace Africa to Trace Ngoma.

With Canal+ taking the heels they do promise new content for 2026 so we'll see what happens. But to a lot of people that worked around this industry, 2025 for MultiChoice was kind of sloppy but an improved from the bloodbath of 2024.

MultiChoice lost about 12-14 within the 2024 period and only got 2 to 3 new channels added. Last year, these cuts only affected 7 channels including 1Max, Qwest TV, CBS Reality, CBS Justice, BET, MTV Base and TLNovelas.

These numbers could have skyrocketed to 19 channels if Canal+ and Warner Bros. Discovery couldn't come to an agreement to continue carriage of Discovery Channel, TLC and Cartoon Network.

Aside from this, consumers got to see the expansion on existing DStv services with Compact and Access that got 5 channels and Family that got 6 channels. These would include DreamWorks Channel, History, Comedy Central and Zee World.

eMedia Investments had also moved at a slow pace in terms of additions on Openview but in their case it's understandable considering there's no monthly fees. In 2024, consumers welcomed two channels to their offering, Sporty TV and Star Khanya.

It was also a disastrous and embarrassing year as it's failed pay-tv venture Ultraview was silently discontinued. To top it off, eMedia Investments opted to keep the closure details of this offering under wraps from the media.

Unlike OUTtv and FUSE whose offering formed part of eVOD, eMedia Investments didn't retain any of the content from Star Select and Zee Family. The only way anyone can view the lineup would be getting the DStv Indian package.

JioStar and Zee Entertainment Enterprises that serve as the distributors of Star Select and Zee Family also distribute Star Life and Zee One on Openview. So it's likely that some of the content will resurface dubbed on these channels.

Below is a summary of the changes 

DStv

New channels/rebrands

Star Khanya

Bravo (formerly E!)

Trace Ngoma (formerly Trace Africa)

Base Pulse 

Closure

1Max

Qwest TV

CBS Reality

CBS Justice

BET 

MTV Base

TLNovelas 

Expansion

SuperSport Action - from DStv Compact+ to Compact 

History - from DStv Compact+ to Compact 

Curiosity Channel - from DStv Compact+ to Compact 

CBS Justice - from DStv Compact+ to Compact 

Africa Magic Showcase - from DStv Compact+ to Compact 

Disney Channel - from DStv Compact to Family

HGTV - from DStv Compact to Family 

Comedy Central - from DStv Compact to Family 

Nickelodeon - from DStv Compact to Family 

Nick Jr. - from DStv Compact to Family 

DreamWorks Channel - from DStv Compact to Family 

Nicktoons - from DStv Family to Access 

Zee World - from DStv Family to Access 

SuperSport Schools - from DStv Access to Easyview 

WWE - from DStv Family to DStv Access

Trace Ngoma - from DStv Family to DStv Access

Trace Gospel - from DStv Family to DStv Access

Openview

New channel

Sporty TV

Star Khanya

Closure 

Star Select

Zee Family 

Op 'n Afgrond, Brand New Series Launches On eVOD

eVOD, a South African based streaming service operated by eMedia Investments will be rolling out a new Afrikaans dubbed Turkish drama called Op 'n Afgrond. Known in Turkey as Siyah Kalp, it will be streaming on eVOD from Wednesday 13 May.

It starred Ece Uslu as Sumru Devresli, Aras Aydın as Nuh Çakırca, Hafsanur Sancaktutan as Melek Çakırca, Burak Tozkoparan as Cihan Şansalan, Leyla Tanlar as Sevilay Günser and Burak Sergen as Samet Şansalan.

Synopsis for Op 'n Afgrond 

The story kicks off with the arrival of twins, Nuh and Melek, in Cappadocia. They are seeking the mother who abandoned them years ago—Sumru.

Sumru has built a new, wealthy life as the matriarch of the Şansalan family, keeping her first children a complete secret from her husband and her current life.

When Nuh and Melek find her, they aren't just looking for a reunion; they are fueled by the pain of abandonment. Their presence threatens to dismantle the "perfect" facade Sumru has carefully constructed.

As the twins infiltrate the Şansalan world, they become entangled with Sumru's other children and business associates. This creates a web of forbidden romances and high-stakes rivalries, particularly involving characters like Cihan and Sevilay.

SA Rugby and Canal+ Sign Rights Renewal Agreement

SA Rugby and the CANAL+ Group, MultiChoice Group’s parent company, have concluded the renewal of their multi-year domestic broadcast rights agreement.

The renewal of the agreement will see SuperSport, Africa’s leading sports broadcaster, continue to be the only official broadcast rights holder for all SARU’s domestic competitions and Springbok women’s and junior age-group matches in Sub-Saharan Africa.

This announcement is the first of its kind with a major local sports federation since CANAL+ joined forces with the MultiChoice Group in September last year, reaffirming CANAL+’s long-term commitment to local sport.

SuperSport has been a proud SA Rugby broadcast partner for more than 30 years.

SARU President Mark Alexander said: “We are very happy to have concluded our first agreement with the MultiChoice Group and CANAL+ Group after a thorough and extensive series of engagements. They have demonstrated a shared understanding of the importance of rugby to the South African public and we trust this is the first of many such agreements.”

CANAL+ Africa CEO David Mignot was delighted with the continuation of the domestic rights agreement, which will make all domestic rugby matches available exclusively on SuperSport.

'PROUD MOMENT'

In South Africa, the SuperSport channels are supplied by Canal + Africa to MultiChoice (Pty) Ltd, which provides the DStv offering to subscribers.

“As promised, we are doubling down on our investment in local content, including the sports content that matters the most to people on the continent. In the South African market, rugby has grown into becoming a part of the national psyche – as evidenced by the national euphoria that erupted each time the Springboks won the Rugby World Cup,” said Mignot.

SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer added: “Broadcasting rights are fundamental to the health and sustainability of sport in South Africa and rugby is no different. SuperSport has been a long-standing and trusted partner to South African rugby, and we are delighted to continue our partnership.

“The world of rugby and broadcasting has changed significantly since we signed our first agreement in the 1990s but it is a testimony to our mutual interests that the partnership continues to endure.”

Rendani Ramovha, CANAL+ Director for Sports Content in English and Portuguese-speaking Africa : “The renewal of the domestic broadcast agreement is not just the strengthening of our long-standing partnership with SA Rugby but a victory for DStv viewers and subscribers, who have come to trust us to bring the best sports content to them in our world-class broadcast quality.

“To be able to continue this promise is a proud moment for us, and it reaffirms our commitment to the sports fan. We’re grateful to our partners at SA Rugby for their collaborative spirit.”

e.tv Is Bringing Two Original Dramas To The Lineup: eGagasini: Waves Of Change And The Four Of Us

e.tv is bringing two new original dramas to its primetime lineup with the upcoming premiere of eGagasini: Waves of Change and The Four of Us. Scheduled to launch on 29 June 2026, the two series will anchor a brand-new primetime power hour, delivering exactly what South African audiences want at the peak of the evening schedule: intense conflict, compelling characters, and high-stakes drama.

Both titles join a strong slate of local storytelling on e.tv, stepping into the timeslots held by two of South Africa’s most-loved dramas, Scandal! and House of Zwide. With eGagasini: Waves of Change and The Four of Us, viewers can expect bold narratives rooted in family, ambition, betrayal, and survival - brought to life by two of the country's most respected production houses.

Joining the new 7:30PM slot is eGagasini: Waves of Change, taking over from House of Zwide as a stylish youth music daily drama produced by Stained Glass TV, the award-winning production house behind Durban Gen. Produced by Gugulethu Zuma and Pepsi Pokane, the series delivers a fresh, youthful story set against the vibrant pulse of Durban's fast-rising music scene.

Tshedza Pictures brings a gripping new family drama to the 8PM slot with The Four of Us, marking the acclaimed production company's first-ever production for e.tv and taking over from Scandal!. Produced by celebrated storytelling duo Phathutshedzo Makwarela and Gwydion Beynon, the series promises the kind of captivating, character-driven drama that e.tv audiences know and love.

Speaking on the production, Stained Glass TV executive producer Pepsi Pokane says eGagasini is a story about the dangerous collision between dreams and consequences.

"At its heart, eGagasini explores what young people are willing to sacrifice in pursuit of success. It is vibrant, aspirational, and deeply rooted in music culture, but beneath that is a tense thriller about guilt, fear, and the weight of one life-changing decision. We are excited to bring audiences a story that feels fresh, contemporary, and emotionally charged."

Phathutshedzo Makwarela, Executive Producer at Tshedza Pictures, says the production marks a significant milestone for the company.

"Tshedza Pictures is proud to be debuting a new telenovela on e.tv for the very first time. We are going on a journey with the loyal viewers of e.tv, a journey built on relatable characters and the kind of compelling, edge-of-the-seat storytelling we love delivering to millions of South Africans. The Four of Us is a story worth waiting for."

"Launching two new shows signifies a major expansion in our primetime storytelling at e.tv. We are excited to partner with these renowned, award-winning production houses, whose expertise will help us craft narratives that authentically reflect the complexities of our societies. Our channel is dedicated to delivering content that sparks conversation and cultivates audience engagement and loyalty," said Helga Palmer, Group Head of Content Development and Strategy at eMedia.

Together, eGagasini: Waves of Change and The Four of Us form e.tv's new primetime power hour — a double commission that gives South African viewers two unmissable new reasons to be in front of the screen each night.

DStv Stream Debuts Beaulah: Queens Van Die Kaap Season 2

The queens are back — and according to the cast of Beaulah: Queens van die Kaap, the drama, shade and glamour are bigger than ever.

The SAFTA-nominated reality series returns for a second season on DStv Stream from 12 May 2026, once again taking viewers behind the scenes of Cape Town’s vibrant drag world.

Produced by Pop24, the team behind shows including The Mommy Club, Tollie & Manila and Bae Beyond Borders, the series follows seven drag performers as they navigate friendships, rivalries, performances and personal struggles.

Season Two Promises More Drama and New Alliances

Season one of Beaulah: Queens van die Kaap left audiences with fractured friendships, simmering tensions and plenty of unforgettable moments. Now, season two picks up right where the drama left off.

According to the show’s producers, “the beef and shade are still very much alive,” with viewers set to see shifting loyalties and surprising new dynamics among the Cape Town queens.

The cast includes multi-pageant winner Emogan Moore, Miss Sovereign Western Cape winner Ina Propriette, Miss Cape Town Pride winner Kat Gilardi, television personality Madison Scarr, Miss Gay Western Cape winner Maxine Wild, rival house mothers BB Vahlour and Madison Scarr, and SA’s Got Talent runner-up Manila Von Teez.

BB Vahlour Reflects on Representation and Growth

BB Vahlour, one of the show’s three trans women cast members, said returning for a second season carries both meaning and responsibility.

“Returning for a second season feels like an opportunity to deepen the work we started and to grow alongside the audience and the ‘characters’ we are on the show,” she said.

“It is both an honour and a responsibility to keep the story authentic and true to ourselves, while also showing where our drag is in our lives now, what and who we represent and the importance of uniting all drag queens.”

Expect Bigger Looks, Bigger Personalities and Bigger Fights

Fabian van Schalkwyk, better known as Emogan Moore, teased an explosive new season packed with fashion, friendships and drama.

“There is so much to look forward to this season, with many new and unexpected friendships forming… and way more lashes, wigs, garments, and drama,” he shared.

For veteran queen Kat Gilardi, viewers should prepare for some shocking revelations.

“Of course there are [new dynamics], major ones. You will see how some people reveal who they really are, but it should not come as a shock. They are simply showing you who they have been all along,” she said.

Drag Visibility Matters

Several cast members also reflected on the importance of the series for LGBTQ+ representation, particularly for trans women.

Maxine Wild, who has been doing drag for 13 years, said the show provides a powerful platform for visibility and affirmation.

“Beaulah has been, and continues to be, an incredible platform for us to showcase who we are,” she explained.

“As a trans woman, its importance lies in allowing people who feel the same way about their gender and their journey to see that there are others out there living their truth unapologetically in society.”

Madison Scarr added that she is excited for viewers to witness more of her personal journey.

“I’m excited for the audience to see the evolution in my trans journey and the personal challenges I’ve overcome, as well as the fun, playful moments I’ve had with growing my drag,” she said.

A Show That Changed Lives

For Manila Von Teez, the impact of Beaulah: Queens van die Kaap has been life changing.

“I am a completely different human being, this show has changed me in so many ways and offered me opportunities I could never could dream about,” he said.

Ina Propriette echoed the excitement around drag once again taking centre stage.

“Returning for a second season means drag gets another moment in the culture at the forefront,” he said.

“It’s been a dry spell and I’m just extremely excited to have my artform be a beacon for our community because we seriously missed and needed this.”

Beaulah: Queens van die Kaap Season Two will be available to binge-watch on DStv Stream from Tuesday, 12 May 2026.