
South Africans say YES to DStv sports packages
South Africans are fully supporting Multichoice's contemplation of offering a sports-only package for DStv subscribers. The satellite television company is also toying with the idea of unbundling SuperSport from its pay-TV platform.
In recent months, the company has taken a massive knock in revenue loss after losing hundreds of thousands in subscriptions.
According to social media users, this follows the company's tone-deaf approach to affordability, diversity, and demands.
Earlier this month, Multichoice Group CEO Calvo Mawela stated that the company would investigate whether unbundling SuperSport from DStv and launching a sports-only package would be a feasible option for its business model.
He said at the time: 'We've accelerated that project in terms of getting us to finalise which direction we're going to take in this financial year. But yes, we are considering all options as part of a broader product offering going forward'.
The investigation will conclude at the end of the current financial year-end in March 2026.
Broadcaster Gareth Cliff polled his followers to see if they would support the move to a sports-only tailored DStv package or simply a SuperSport option. An overwhelming 94% of voters responded positively.
Here's what a few had to say…
@renierferreira: 'PAY PER CHANNEL ONLY! People don't want DStv 'bundles'. I'll pay R99 pm just for SuperSport 1 on ONE device.'
@WTFSA13: 'R350 for all sports channels, and I am in'
@SwartNatalie: 'Yes, then we can actually afford to watch sport again!'
Currently, the SuperSport group of channels is offered on DStv's Premium package – it's most expensive – which currently costs R949. For many sports enthusiasts, 'off season' means pausing their subscriptions or cancelling them altogether.
In multiple financial reports, Multichoice has acknowledged that the rising cost of living meant that 'households are struggling to make ends meet and many had no choice but to give up their DStv subscription for the time being.'
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 .
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

IOL News
27 minutes ago
- IOL News
A fleeting moment turns iconic with a click of the shutter
Independent Media photographer Leon Lestrade has been a photojournalist for more than 30 years. Image: Supplied For over three decades, Leon Lestrade has been a quiet observer of history, capturing defining moments through the lens of his camera. On a sunny Sunday in June at Durban's uShaka Beach, he stumbled upon a scene that would etch itself into the annals of South African history. A group of men carried a paraplegic man into the ocean, an act of camaraderie and strength that prompted Lestrade, armed with his trusted digital camera, to snap away, unaware that what he was capturing was more than just a heartwarming image. A week later, that moment gained significance when news emerged about Oscar Pistorius' participation in the IronMan competition—the paralympian's first public sporting event since his release on parole for the 2013 Valentine's Day murder of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp. MAKING A SPLASH: Convicted killer Oscar Pistorius was in Durban participating in the Ironman 70.3 triathlon, his first public sporting event since being released on parole. Image: Leon Lestrade / Independent Media For Lestrade, the revelation left him in awe. 'I couldn't believe it," said Lestrade when reflecting on the moment. "I had unknowingly photographed a man with such a complex and controversial history, and it felt surreal." The encounter beautifully encapsulated the intersection of sport, redemption, and public perception. This year marked a significant milestone for Lestrade, as he celebrated 27 years with Independent Media, having embarked on his photography journey over 30 years ago as a freelancer. Largely self-taught, Lestrade developed his skills on the job, fostering a dedication to his work that has won him numerous awards. Growing up on the Cape Flats presented its own set of challenges which his family bravely faced, particularly his father, Jack, a professional photographer who navigated a racially segregated industry. Lestrade recalls, 'My father never wanted to discuss his career, and I can understand his reasons why, but we overcame those obstacles.' Lestrade's journey began at Independent Newspapers, initially working under picture editor Anne Laing at the Cape Times before transitioning to the Cape Argus, where Jim McLagan mentored him. His diverse experiences allowed him to hone his skill in various fields, including sports, politics, and feature stories. Throughout his career, he captured countless pivotal moments, but meeting Nelson Mandela stands out as a turning point.

IOL News
28 minutes ago
- IOL News
Springboks dominate Barbarians, but Rassie Erasmus calls for improvement ahead of Italy Tests
SPRINGBOK players Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Vincent Tshituka held their own against the Barbarians in Cape Town. | AYANDA NDAMANE/Independent Newspapers Image: AYANDA NDAMANE/Independent Newspapers Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus says they won't get too carried away with their rout of the Barbarians, but he was happy with the platform they laid in a rainy DHL Stadium on Saturday evening to start their season with a 54-7 rout of the visitors. The world champions showed their mettle and were absolutely dominant in the second half to put eight tries past their opponents to claim a famous victory over the invitational side. With it, they won the ninth encounter between them and drew level with wins in the first-ever clash on South African soil. Both sides have won four, while one duel ended in a draw. Despite the wet Cape Town conditions, rain fell right through the clash, and Erasmus' troops acquitted themselves well of their task. For most of the match, they looked sharp on the attack, and defensively they kept the Baabaas out to only concede a try in the dying minutes of the duel. 'I am happy about the win, but there are lots for us to work on,' Erasmus said in his post-match interview. 'To keep them only to seven points and us getting to the score we had, we are happy with that, and no injuries were picked up. Some guys got a hit-out today who haven't played for a while. Other guys do not have a lot of caps. We are glad we came through it. 'For the Barbarians, this was probably the worst conditions to play in. We had to keep some structure, so overall it was satisfying, and now the Test matches start.'


The South African
42 minutes ago
- The South African
Ouch! Checkers shades Pick n Pay's Springboks kit in cheeky ad
Two years after that, Checkers Sixty60-inspired Springboks away kit went viral for all the wrong reasons at the Rugby World Cup, the supermarket chain has mocked its rival Pick n Pay's controversial jersey design. The Boks unveiled their new look jersey, plus a colourful training one, at their first match of the year against the British Barbarians. Earlier this year, Pick n Pay became a tier-one sponsor of the national rugby team. However, the public's response has been less than favourable. In a social media post on Saturday, 28 June, Checkers threw shade at Pick n Pay over its Springbok match day design. Without mentioning them, the supermarket chain joined many rugby fans in criticising the new look. In the cheeky ad, a Checkers employee delivers 'kit feedback' to his manager. Addressing his superior, he says: 'The response to the new kit is not great. Someone told me it looked like a bumper sticker, but on the front! It seems like it was designed in paint during load shedding'. Checkers captioned the post, 'We're backing our boys no matter what', referring to the Springboks. Take a look at the ad… Meanwhile, the Springboks' colourful training kits on match day left much to be desired by South African rugby fans. Here's what a few X users had to say about it… @Jenmc_: 'These jerseys are going from bad to worse! I think the public should choose a jersey because these clearly cannot be left up to the professionals. Looks like someone took a bunch of hallucinogenics 🥴🫣 Stop making the brand look cheap'. @clueclucks: 'Who chose this jersey? 🙄😲👹🤢🤮' @BrendonWessels: 'That Springbok jersey would be hard to handle on a Brandy hangover'. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.