South Africa’s pay-TV provider, DStv, has seen a sharp decline in its subscriber base, with numbers falling back to levels last recorded in 2019.
According to MultiChoice’s latest half-year financial results for the period ending 30 September 2024, the platform’s paying customers dropped to 7.4 million, down 399,000 or 5.1% compared to the previous year for DStv’s subscribers in South Africa.
The decline is even more pronounced when accounting for 90-day active users. Over the same period, DStv saw a 5.7% drop in this metric, losing 495,000 subscribers to settle at 8.1 million from a previous 8.6 million.
MultiChoice attributes the sustained downturn to persistent pressure on consumer discretionary income, despite some positive macroeconomic signals.
In addition, ongoing load-shedding has continued to disrupt TV viewing habits, prompting cancellations among customers unable to enjoy consistent service due to frequent power outages.
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Another growing threat to DStv’s subscriber base is the rise in illegal streaming alternatives.
Many households are opting for unauthorized access to premium content such as live sports, movies, and shows often at little or no cost. This black-market trend has eroded the value proposition of traditional subscription services like DStv.
However, the shift to piracy is not without consequence.
A recent study by anti-piracy group BeStreamWise reveals that one in four scam victims believe their exposure stemmed from accessing illegal content. The financial losses suffered by illegal streamers are four times higher on average than those who consume content legally.
With mounting pressure from economic headwinds, technological disruption, and a growing black market for digital content, MultiChoice faces an uphill battle to retain and rebuild its subscriber base in the months ahead.
