MultiChoice has announced plans to offer discounted access to DStv Stream Compact for Showmax subscribers as it prepares to shut down Showmax at the end of April.
MultiChoice
The company disclosed that eligible users will receive free access to DStv Stream Compact from April 1 to the end of May. Thereafter, subscribers can continue the service at a promotional rate of R99 (5.90 dollars) per month for 12 months, significantly lower than the standard subscription fee of R299 (17.83 dollars).
The initiative is aimed at retaining customers ahead of Showmax’s closure on April 30, after which all content, including Showmax Originals, will be migrated to DStv Stream.
MultiChoice stated that subscribers must opt in to the offer by signing up for DStv Stream, creating a new profile, and following instructions sent to their registered email addresses. The process, according to the company, takes less than five minutes.
However, the opt-in requirement may influence how many users transition to the new platform, as MultiChoice has not disclosed current Showmax subscriber figures, leaving uncertainty about potential customer retention.
Industry analysts note that the discounted rate positions DStv Stream competitively in the market, offering pricing below platforms such as Netflix’s standard plan in South Africa. The service also includes live sports coverage via SuperSport, in addition to films, series, live television, and children’s programming.
Despite the attractive pricing, the discount is limited to a 12-month period, after which the subscription reverts to the full rate of R299 per month. Observers say this price adjustment could test long-term customer loyalty.
The company added that subscribers must maintain active accounts and keep payments up to date throughout the promotional period. Any lapse in payment would result in an immediate reversion to the standard subscription fee.
The promotion is available only to Showmax users who do not currently hold active DStv subscriptions and who pay for Showmax directly. Existing DStv Compact, Compact Plus, and Premium customers are excluded, as they already have access to Showmax content on DStv Stream at no additional cost.
MultiChoice further stated that customers who choose not to migrate can request refunds for any unused portion of their Showmax subscriptions, while automatic billing will cease once the platform is discontinued.
As part of the transition, the company is also rolling out new and returning content on DStv Stream, including the true-crime series The People vs VBS from April 1, the final episode of Die Kantoor on April 14, and a live broadcast of the Soweto Derby on April 26.
