Pay-TV operator MultiChoice, which runs DStv, has issued an apology to its customers for interruptions on its SuperSport Action channel over the weekend.
In a statement released on Tuesday, MultiChoice said that viewers in several African countries faced issues with the SuperSport Action channel during the Chelsea vs. Newcastle match on Sunday, October 27, 2024. It reads:
<blockquote>
MultiChoice Africa is aware that viewers in some African countries experienced problems with the SuperSport Action channel on Sunday, 27 October 2024 during the Chelsea vs New Castle game at 15:50 CAT.
It has since been established that during the recent SuperSport channel revamp, technical issues had resulted in certain broadcast feeds being impacted.
SuperSport took immediate steps to isolate the problem and restored the correct feeds to the SuperSport Action channel.
We apologize to all viewers for the inconvenience caused and assure our viewers that the issue has been successfully resolved.
</blockquote>
On October 9, 2024, MultiChoice rebranded its SuperSport variety channels across both the DStv and GOtv platforms.
The new channel, SuperSport Action, was launched to offer a wider array of sports content, including UFC matches and additional Champions League games.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

DStv said sorry for problems on SuperSport Action channel during Chelsea vs. Newcastle match. Viewers in African countries had issues. There was a technical problem during a recent revamp which caused disruptions. SuperSport fixed the issue and apologized for the inconvenience. DStv rebranded its SuperSport variety channels and launched SuperSport Action for more sports content.

DStv Issues Apology After SuperSport Action Channel Disruptions

EcoCash, Zimbabwe’s leading mobile money platform, has announced a partnership with MultiChoice Zimbabwe to offer customers a convenient and secure way to pay their DStv subscriptions.
This collaboration allows EcoCash users to pay their monthly DStv fees directly from their EcoCash wallet, enabling instant activation of their DStv account.
With this partnership, EcoCash customers can access a wide range of international sports, entertainment, news, and current affairs from the comfort of their homes.
The mobile money firm aims to simplify the payment process, making it easier for customers to enjoy their favourite TV shows and sports.
DStv, offered by MultiChoice, provides exclusive content, including the latest movies and live sports, such as the English Premier League.
<img alt='May be an image of 2 people, people playing football, people playing American football, phone and text that says "DSt rates Dial *151# Follow These Simple FollowTheseSimpleSteps: Steps: 1.Select USD Currency Kickoff the soccer season with DSTV 2.Select Make Payments 3.Select Direct Payments 4.Select Pay DStv EooGaeh Downlcoo GooglePay AppStore www.ecocest.co.2W 5.Select Renew Subscription Live Life the EcoCash Way f·0® +203777222151- EcoCash"' decoding="async" src="https://scontent.fhre1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/456580890_935866775247652_1943021546478156632_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&amp;ccb=1-7&amp;_nc_sid=833d8c&amp;_nc_ohc=KgxVqGz6Ei8Q7kNvgGiczcP&amp;_nc_ht=scontent.fhre1-1.fna&amp;oh=00_AYCWCi0SBRQ9Z7PkJ7jE3wSitQfl1-4waoQE9XBAQf13YQ&amp;oe=66D61D6D"/>
EcoCash encourages customers with smartphones to use the EcoCash app for fast and easy payments. 
Alternatively, customers can use the USSD channel to pay their DStv subscriptions, which will result in the automatic reactivation of their account.
This partnership demonstrates EcoCash’s commitment to adding value to its customers by creating convenient payment options.
By working together, EcoCash and MultiChoice aim to enhance the viewing experience for DStv subscribers in Zimbabwe.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

EcoCash and MultiChoice in Zimbabwe are working together to make it easy for people to pay their DStv subscription using mobile money. This means customers can watch their favorite shows and sports quickly and conveniently from their homes. EcoCash wants to make paying for DStv simple for its customers, whether they use their app or the USSD channel. This partnership is meant to improve the viewing experience for DStv subscribers in Zimbabwe. It's a way for both companies to help people enjoy their entertainment without any hassle.

EcoCash Partners With MultiChoice Zimbabwe For Convenient DStv Payments

MultiChoice reported a 5% decline in DStv subscribers for 2024 across all packages, with the drop attributed to economic challenges like inflation, rising interest rates, and load shedding.
The overall subscriber base declined by 9%, with a 13% drop in the Rest of Africa and a 5% decrease in South Africa.
As reported by <a href="https://www.iol.co.za/entertainment/tv/local/over-400000-subscribers-dump-dstv-amid-economic-challenges-f257fd1d-2dc5-409f-b061-a55524a0cde5">IOL</a>, in 2023, the total subscriber base was around 8 million, resulting in a loss of 400,000 subscribers over the year.
Multichoice cited declines across all DStv packages: premium tier (Premium and Compact Plus), mid-market tier (Compact), and mass-market tier (Family and Access).
According to their 2023/24 financial year statement, DStv’s overall active subscriber base declined by 5%, dropping from 8 million to 7.6 million.
The premium tier saw a significant decline of 8%, the mid-market tier fell by 9%, and the mass-market tier experienced a reduction of 2%. Calvo Mawela, MultiChoice CEO, said:
<blockquote>
Subscriber growth is typically more muted in a year that follows the FIFA World Cup, but FY24 came in below trend as the subscriber base declined year-over-year in the face of a deteriorating macro and consumer environment.
</blockquote>
To retain subscribers, MultiChoice is enhancing its mid-market packages and launching new promotions.
These promotional offers can include discounted subscription fees, free hardware upgrades, or limited-time access to premium content.
Additionally, they are investing in advanced technology to improve the viewing experience, making it more flexible and affordable.
Multichoice recently announced that with effect from 01 August 2024, it will increase subscription fees in response to rising operational costs.
The subscription fees for the Premium and Compact Plus packages will remain unchanged at US$75 and US$45 per month, respectively, providing stability for the high-end tier of DStv subscribers.
However, the company said that it will implement modest increases for some of its more affordable packages as follows:
<ul>
<li>Compact package: The monthly fee will increase by US$1, from US$29 to US$30.</li>
<li>Family package: The monthly fee will increase by US$1, from US$19 to US$20.</li>
</ul>
For the entry-level packages, the increases will be slightly more significant:
<ul>
<li>Access package: The monthly fee will increase by US$2, from US$13 to US$15.</li>
<li>Lite package: The monthly fee will increase by US$1, from US$8 to US$9.</li>
</ul>
Multichoice has also announced adjustments to its specialised packages for the Indian and Portuguese markets:
<ul>
<li>Indian Stand-Alone (Premium) package: The monthly fee will increase by US$2, from US$37 to US$39.</li>
<li>Indian Add-On package: The monthly fee will increase by US$2, from US$23 to US$25.</li>
<li>Portuguese Stand-Alone package: The monthly fee will increase by US$1, from US$44 to US$45.</li>
<li>Portuguese Add-On package: The monthly fee will increase by US$2, from US$23 to US$25.</li>
</ul>
The monthly cost of the HD PVR Service will remain unchanged at US$13 per month.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

MultiChoice's DStv lost 400,000 subscribers in 2024 due to economic issues like high prices and power outages. The total number of subscribers dropped by 5% to 7.6 million. They are trying to keep customers by offering better packages and technology. Subscription fees will go up for some packages starting in August 2024, but some high-end packages will stay the same. The company hopes these changes will help them keep customers around.

Over 400,000 Subscribers Abandon DStv

Multichoice, the media conglomerate behind the popular DStv satellite television service, has announced an upward review of its subscription fees effective August 1, 2024.
In a notice sent to its customer base, Multichoice cited the rising operational costs as the primary driver behind this decision to adjust its pricing structure. It said: 
<blockquote>
We have tried our best to keep our expenses low but our operating costs continue to rise. We have thus reviewed our subscription fees with effect from 1 August 2024.
</blockquote>
The subscription fees for the Premium and Compact Plus packages have remained unchanged at US$75 and US$45 per month, respectively, providing stability for the high-end tier of DStv subscribers.
However, the company has implemented modest increases for some of its more affordable packages:
<ul>
<li>Compact package: The monthly fee has increased by US$1, from US$29 to US$30.</li>
<li>Family package: The monthly fee has increased by US$1, from US$19 to US$20.</li>
</ul>
For the entry-level packages, the increases are slightly more significant:
<ul>
<li>Access package: The monthly fee has increased by US$2, from US$13 to US$15.</li>
<li>Lite package: The monthly fee has increased by US$1, from US$8 to US$9.</li>
</ul>
Multichoice has also announced adjustments to its specialised packages for the Indian and Portuguese markets:
<ul>
<li>Indian Stand-Alone (Premium) package: The monthly fee has increased by US$2, from US$37 to US$39.</li>
<li>Indian Add-On package: The monthly fee has increased by US$2, from US$23 to US$25.</li>
<li>Portuguese Stand-Alone package: The monthly fee has increased by US$1, from US$44 to US$45.</li>
<li>Portuguese Add-On package: The monthly fee has increased by US$2, from US$23 to US$25.</li>
</ul>
The monthly cost of the HD PVR Service remains unchanged at US$13 per month.
<img alt="May be a graphic of text" decoding="async" src="https://scontent-cpt1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/452509674_867978568697844_3971459800656056520_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_p526x296&amp;_nc_cat=102&amp;ccb=1-7&amp;_nc_sid=127cfc&amp;_nc_ohc=yu5-x0N9mysQ7kNvgEjs4eL&amp;_nc_ht=scontent-cpt1-1.xx&amp;oh=00_AYDrAAXInudWT9avc5Ww4k8G6Z6W8Px0BKG8lr8nvI30Og&amp;oe=66A537F3"/>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Multichoice, the company that runs DStv, is raising the prices for its TV service starting on August 1, 2024. They say it's because their costs have gone up. They sent a message to their customers explaining the increase. They tried to keep the prices low, but they had to raise them due to rising expenses. Customers will have to pay more for their DStv subscriptions soon.

Multichoice Reviews DStv Subscription Fees

MultiChoice has secured exclusive broadcasting rights to the upcoming UEFA Euro 2024 tournament which runs from 14 June to 14 July 2024.
In a statement, MultiChoice said the matches will be broadcast across all its platforms, that is, Showmax, DStv, and GOtv. It said:
<blockquote>
As the excitement builds for UEFA EURO 2024, MultiChoice is proud to announce that it has secured exclusive broadcasting rights across its platforms – Showmax, DStv, GOtv – offering unmatched access to one of football’s most anticipated events this year.
Starting Friday 14 June, with Germany vs Scotland, and continuing through to the grand finale on Sunday 14 July, football fans across the continent can catch every match, each monumental goal, and all the defining football moments exclusively on MultiChoice platforms.
</blockquote>
MultiChoice said all 51 UEFA Euro games will be broadcast live on Showmax Premier League.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

DStv Secures UEFA Euro 2024 Exclusive Rights

MultiChoice is set to launch another Zimbabwean television channel onto the DStv platform, bringing the number of local stations available to DStv viewers to five.
NRTV will be launched on DStv’s channel 288 on Tuesday, June 20, adding a further dimension to the range of Zimbabwean content being showcased on the DStv packages.
NRTV stands for Nkululeko Rusununguko Television. It is owned by Rusununguko Media (Pvt) Ltd, <a href="https://www.techzim.co.zw/2023/02/another-zim-station-nrtv-launches-on-dstv-today/">a company reportedly owned by the Zimbabwe National Army</a> (ZNA).
The station was licensed in 2020 with a promise to offer a diverse and innovative programme range that will enhance viewing enjoyment by local viewers.
Moses Matanda, General Manager for NRTV highlighted that Zimbabweans can look forward to content told differently but relatable globally from a predominantly young and funk, multi-cultural and multi-lingual team. He said:
<blockquote>
We are excited to partner with MultiChoice in bringing content with a fresher outlook to the Zimbabwean storytelling market.
NRTV is very much privileged to be part of the chosen television stations, who have been given the arduous task to tell the Zimbabwean story.
</blockquote>
The channel will be available to DStv Premium, DStv Compact Plus, DStv Compact, DStv Access, and DStv Lite customers.
MultiChoice Zimbabwe general manager Norman Raisbeck said the addition of another Zimbabwean channel was both exciting and satisfying as MultiChoice continues to provide local viewers with more content from which to find a source of locally-selected information, education and entertainment programming. He said:
<blockquote>
We welcome NRTV to the DStv platform and we wish them much success in fulfilling viewer expectations across the country.
</blockquote>
The new channel will complement the existing four Zimbabwean broadcasters on DStv: Ztv, Yadah, 3Ktv and ZTN Prime. Added:
We are especially excited to hear that NRTV plans to expand its network of staff and offices across the country and to work towards utilisation of 16 languages, including sign language, for extended viewership penetration.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/media-reforms-surpass-target-as-nrtv-set-to-be-launched">The Sunday Mail</a> recently, Matanda expressed gratitude to integrated media company, Zimpapers, which owns ZTN, for helping nurture NRTV in its infancy.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe National Army Launches TV Channel On DStv

Zimbabwe’s sixth television station – NRTV – is set to go on air this Tuesday at 10 AM.
NRTV will officially be launched on DSTV Channel 288 to become the country’s sixth television station.
Four television stations have gone on air since 2020 when the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) awarded six national commercial television broadcasting licences.
The stations are Zimpapers Television Network (ZTN Prime), 3K TV, KeYona TV and Jive TV.
NRTV acting general manager Moses Matanda told <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/media-reforms-surpass-target-as-nrtv-set-to-be-launched">The Sunday Mail</a> that the TV station has been able to create employment for a lot of people. He said:
<blockquote>
We are grateful for Government’s efforts to open up the airwaves.
NRTV has been able to create employment not only for those who are directly working for the station but also for independent producers that are also creating employment for creatives across the country.
Most importantly, these television stations are commercial, which promotes fairness and objectivity in the broadcasting of news and information.
</blockquote>
Matanda said NRTV offices are in Newlands, Harare, where a state-of-the-art studio is still under construction.
He expressed gratitude to integrated media company, Zimpapers, which owns ZTN, for helping nurture NRTV in its infancy.
Matanda added that NRTV’s programming schedule will comprise 95 percent local content to promote independent local producers.
NRTV stands for Nkululeko Rusununguko Television. The TV station is owned by Rusununguko Media (Pvt) Ltd which is reportedly owned by the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA).
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Nkululeko Rusununguko Television (NRTV) Set To Be Launched On DStv

SuperSport viewers on DStv can look forward to riveting football action with the upcoming Nedbank Cup semi-finals starting in May.
Orlando Pirates against Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday, 6 May. The football action does not stop there, the very next day features giant killers Stellenbosch against Sekhukhune United.
As a bonus for DStv viewers, both the Nedbank Cup semi-finals and the final will also be available to DStv Access customers.
This means the Chiefs vs Pirates playoff will be on 6 May at 15:00 and the Stellenbosch vs Sekhukhune United last-four match on 7 May at 18:00.
The title decider on 27 May will be available to more viewers than ever before.
The action will be broadcast on SuperSports Variety 4, and will additionally be available for streaming via the DStv app.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Nedbank Cup Coming To DStv Access Customers

<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/DStv" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">DStv</a> has made its Zimbabwean viewers a special offer giving them a free upgrade to the next bouquet package at no extra cost, that is, if they keep their subscriptions active from 19 December to 31 January.
Liz Dziva, publicity and public relations manager of MultiChoice Zimbabwe, said the Christmas season offer is for upgrades to the next-level package at no extra cost. Said Dziva:
<blockquote>
From December 19 to January 31 DStv customers need only keep their DStv subscriptions active and they will be given a free upgrade to the next highest package free of charge.
For example, a subscription to the DStv Compact Plus package will be upgraded automatically and at no cost to a DStv Premium package, giving viewers an even greater variety of channels and content to enjoy.
</blockquote>
The idea of the festive season being a great time for families to be together and enjoy family viewing lies behind the offer in what is always known as the season of giving. Added Dziva:
<blockquote>
We know DStv Premium customers delight in the array of viewing options open to them all year round, with increased levels of all kinds of entertainment at this time of year, so we know the DStv Compact Plus viewers will thrill at being able to share this during our offer period,.
</blockquote>

DStv To Upgrade Subscribers' Bouquet Packages At No Extra Cost

DStv subscribers in Zimbabwe now have an additional method for paying their subscriptions, with the inclusion of the Mukuru platform in the methods available for payments.
According to Liz Dziva, MultiChoice Zimbabwe publicity and public relations manager, Mukuru became a channel for subscriptions in November, just in time for the 2022 FIFA World Cup tournament, a major focus for the many Zimbabweans who value the DStv offering to subscribers of all the games on several bouquets and up to half the matches on other bouquets. Said Dziva:
<blockquote>
Mukuru is one of the most popular platforms for sourcing cash and payments for Zimbabweans from all walks of life and we are delighted it is now one of the means by which Zimbabweans can have access to the various DStv products.
Mukuru has more than 200 branches and booths across the country and these are all accessible for DStv subscription payments, giving huge convenience to a great many existing and new viewers.
</blockquote>
The commission charged for payments is low, from US$1 for DStv Lite all the way through to US$3 for DStv Premium. Added Dziva:
<blockquote>
We know this will be a major benefit to subscribers and we look forward to Mukuru playing a key role in making payments easier for DStv viewers across Zimbabwe.
</blockquote>

Mukuru Becomes A Platform For DStv Payments

Pre-school children are the focus of a new channel, Moonbug launched recently on the DStv platform.
Liz Dziva, publicity and public relations manager of MultiChoice Zimbabwe, said the channel was a showcase for a range of shows suited to pre-schoolers and which have been popular on the YouTube platform. She said:
<blockquote>
There is a trend for broadcasters like DStv to incorporate content that was previously only available on digital platforms like YouTube and this mindset is now one adopted for DStv.
Other Moonbug linear channels have already launched in other territories, such as the Philippines and Malaysia, and are proving successful and popular, and we know Zimbabwean families will welcome this development.
</blockquote>
 Dziva said digital-first content was entering the traditional world of broadcast channels and the quality and appeal of these shows had improved greatly in recent years, making inclusion on broadcast platforms a natural consequence. Added Dziva:
<blockquote>
Platforms like ours recognise that these shows have benefits for the creators and the broadcasters, and most especially for viewers.
</blockquote>
The Moonbug Kids Channel started broadcasting on October 20 across the DStv reach throughout Africa. All Moonbug shows feature in English, including CoComelon, Blippi, Gecko’s Garage, Morphle, Arpo, Little Angel and Oddbods. Said Dziva:
<blockquote>
 This is an exciting development that widens viewers’ horizons and Moonbug brings a wave of new talent and content to our offering.
The DStv in-depth knowledge of children’s viewing speaks of this as being an excellent development.
 Moonbug Kids Channel has a dedicated 24/7 programming schedule featuring that supports children’s development and gives them enjoyment.
The schedule will also complement families’ daily routines such as mealtimes, playtime, bath time, bedtime, and so on.
</blockquote>
 Moonbug was started by parents for parents and the content reaches out across the globe to an international audience of youngsters.
Moonbug entertainment is an award-winning global entertainment company behind some of the most popular children’s shows in the world, found on more than 150 platforms that include YouTube, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Sky UK, Super RTL, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, Tencent, Youku, and Roku.

DStv Launches A New Kids Channel, Moonbug

Zimbabwean writer and filmmaker <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Tsitsi_Dangarembga" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Tsitsi Dangarembga</a> has commended MultiChoice Talent Factory academies and has urged Zimbabwe’s aspiring filmmakers to seize the opportunities these academies have presented to them.
MultiChoice Africa established the academies 2018, with Southern Africa hosting two Zimbabweans in 2018-19, at which Dangarembga was was invited to be an adjudicator for both classes. Dangarembga had this to say:
<blockquote>Being an adjudicator for the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/MultiChoice" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">MultiChoice</a> Talent Factory Academy selection was a hugely exciting experience for me, as it allowed me to connect with the new generation of talent.
It gave me the opportunity to encourage all the candidates in any way I could to focus on their strengths and I also recognised the opportunity it presents to help fill some of the gaps in the industry with this enterprising young talent.</blockquote>
Dangarembga said the main impact on Zimbabwe’s film and television production industry of the MulitChoice Talent Factory initiative was that of providing young Zimbabweans with something very definite to which to aspire.
She is already regarded as a leading cultural personality in Zimbabwe, remains highly active and is at present presiding over a slate of six feature films set in Zimbabwe, South Africa, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria and Germany. She is also working on a television series and is writing a novel that will appeal primarily to young adults.

DStv Latest News

Latest Jobs