In recent years, a growing number of South Africans have started to ditch DStv in favour of more affordable and flexible streaming options. With the rise of mobile viewing, reduced costs, and growing internet accessibility, it’s clear that the TV landscape in South Africa is undergoing a significant shift. But what’s driving this transformation, and how is it reshaping the entertainment industry?
The Decline of DStv and the Rise of Streaming
Traditional pay-TV services, especially DStv, have long been a staple of South African households. However, more consumers are turning to streaming platforms for a variety of reasons. From financial constraints to the convenience of mobile viewing, South Africans are increasingly abandoning cable TV in favour of more accessible alternatives.
As data company The prevalence of mobile phones in South Africa is a significant factor in this transition. With 95% of South Africans owning smartphones, it’s no surprise that many are choosing to watch content on their phones rather than traditional cable boxes. With mobile-only streaming plans starting as low as R29, it’s clear why so many households are seeking out streaming alternatives.
Learn more about how MultiChoice is adapting to the streaming era in our article, Big Plans for DStv: MultiChoice Embraces Streaming with Showmax and DStv Stream.
The Cost Factor: Why DStv is Losing Its Appeal
One of the primary reasons South Africans are ditching DStv is the high cost of subscription fees. Even with DStv’s recent price adjustments, such as reducing the cost of premium movie bolt-ons and keeping several services at the same price, its premium package still costs R949 per month. This hefty price tag is significantly more than what consumers would pay for a combination of streaming services like Showmax, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video.
Many South Africans now find that subscribing to multiple streaming services is far more affordable than a traditional pay-TV plan. A South African could subscribe to Showmax, Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, and YouTube Premium and still pay at least R300 less per month than they would for DStv’s premium plan.”
Mobile Streaming: The New Norm for South Africans
With mobile internet being the preferred choice for many South Africans, the shift towards streaming is also heavily mobile-driven. According to Fabric, 75% of South Africans consume content on their smartphones. This growing trend towards mobile-first streaming is particularly pronounced among younger generations, who are leading the way in abandoning traditional TV models.
Streaming services have capitalised on this shift by offering affordable mobile-only plans. These options cater to South Africans who primarily watch content on their phones. For instance, Vodacom and Telkom are both offering mobile-only plans that start as low as R29 per month, making streaming a more cost-effective alternative to DStv.
Internet Penetration: A Major Barrier for Traditional TV
While many other countries around the world are seeing steady growth in fixed internet connections, South Africa remains an outlier. As of Q1 2025, only 14% of South African households had a fixed internet connection. In comparison, countries in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) boast over 90% fixed internet penetration.
The lack of widespread fixed internet access in South Africa is a key challenge for pay-TV providers like DStv. However, mobile internet penetration is significantly higher, contributing to the growth of mobile streaming services.
Cord-Cutting Across All Age Groups
It’s not just the younger generation that’s abandoning traditional pay-TV. Older South Africans are also starting to join the cord-cutting trend. Fabric’s data reveals that 24% of the 55+ age group have already cancelled their pay-TV subscriptions. This is a significant increase from previous years, showing that even older generations are ready to make the switch to streaming.
Find out how to sign up for DStv Stream in Gauteng, including packages, prices, and internet requirements, in our guide, How to Sign Up for DStv Stream in Gauteng: Packages, Prices and Internet Needs.
As internet access continues to improve, more South Africans of all ages are likely to embrace streaming as their preferred method of consuming entertainment.
The Growing Streaming Market in South Africa
With DStv’s dominance in decline, the streaming market in South Africa is experiencing significant growth. Services like Showmax, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video have become household names, with millions of subscribers across the country.
Experts agree that the South African streaming market is ripe for expansion. Fabric notes that “as South Africa becomes more connected, the thirst for content will only grow.” As more people gain access to affordable internet, demand for streaming content will continue to rise.
DStv’s Attempt to Adapt: Will It Be Enough?
In an effort to stem the tide of cord-cutting, DStv has made several adjustments to its pricing structure. The company has reduced the cost of premium add-ons like movies and increased discounts for Showmax subscriptions. However, despite these efforts, DStv’s packages remain costly compared to the growing range of affordable streaming options available.
Many experts believe DStv’s move towards more flexible pricing is a step in the right direction, but whether it can compete with the flexibility of streaming services remains to be seen.
The Future of TV in South Africa: What’s Next?
The future of television in South Africa seems to be shifting towards streaming platforms, which offer greater affordability and flexibility. With internet access and mobile penetration growing steadily, it’s likely that more South Africans will continue to ditch DStv in favour of more accessible alternatives.
As streaming services continue to evolve and improve, it’s clear that the landscape of South African television will look very different in the years to come.
Discover why DStv’s package overhaul took longer than expected in our article, DStv Restructuring: Why DStv’s Package Overhaul Took So Long.
South Africans Ditch DStv for Good?
The growing trend of South Africans ditching DStv is undeniable. As internet penetration increases and mobile streaming options become more affordable, traditional pay-TV services are losing their appeal. While DStv is making efforts to remain competitive, the flexibility and affordability offered by streaming platforms are proving to be too attractive for many South Africans to ignore.
As we look towards the future, it’s clear that the shift towards streaming is not just a trend but a fundamental change in the way South Africans consume entertainment.
