“Rather than spreading similar content across many channels, we’re concentrating on fewer, stronger channels,” MultiChoice told MyBroadband.
The pay-TV broadcaster is consolidating its content, launching new channels and restructuring its packages in its largest DStv overhaul in two decades.
The changes took effect on 17 September 2026, the same day MultiChoice introduced Wethu+, a new channel dedicated to local entertainment. This move is designed to give customers a simpler, easier-to-use line-up and a better viewing experience, the company said.
New Channels, Consolidated Content
Wethu+, launched on DStv channel 163, replaces Mzansi Wethu and combines its programming with that of Mzansi Bioskop and Mzansi Magic Music into a single channel. It is now part of the new DStv Starter package, which customers can get for R99 per month. The channel features a mix of local telenovelas, drama series, international movies, and live soccer.
“Designed for the whole family, the channel brings together popular telenovelas, drama series, local movies, children’s programming, educational content, and live PSL action,” MultiChoice said. It also includes prime-time shows and dedicated educational content like “Woza Matrics,” which provides Matric learners with revision and exam-preparation support.
Live soccer is a key component. During the football season, viewers can watch two live PSL matches every weekend on the channel. “The addition of live football alongside drama, movies and family entertainment gives Wethu+ a unique appeal,” the broadcaster added.
In a separate move, MultiChoice merged M-Net Movies 1 and M-Net Movies 2 into M-Net Movies+, available on channel 106. M-Net Movies 3 became M-Net Stars on channel 107, focusing on more recent Hollywood films, while M-Net Movies 4 became M-Net Legends on channel 108, which will feature older blockbuster films. kykNET Lekker was also shut down, replaced by kykNET & Kie on the DStv Access package.
DStv Restructures Packages
The channel shake-up is part of a larger package restructuring that MultiChoice described as the most significant in two decades. The broadcaster introduced new packages while grandfathering some of its older plans.
DStv Compact customers were migrated to the new DStv Sports package, which retained the Compact price of R399 per month on DStv Stream. A new Movies & Series package is available for R500 per month on both decoder-based and streaming-only services. The entry-level EasyView package remains, offering over 30 channels for R30 per month.
DStv Access customers were moved to the new DStv Starter package, and Family customers were migrated to DStv Select. The DStv Compact Plus package has been grandfathered, meaning it is no longer available to new customers.
Existing customers on this plan were upgraded to the top-tier DStv Premium package at no extra cost for the time being. The Premium package remains unchanged and continues to offer the “full DStv channel experience.”
Wethu+ Programming Schedule
The new Wethu+ channel features a structured daily and weekly schedule. A breakdown of the programming is as follows:
| Content | Time | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Music Programming | 07:00 | Daily |
| Educational & Children’s Content | 08:00 | Mondays to Saturdays |
| Woza Matrics | 17:00 | Mondays to Thursdays |
| Umhlaba Wezifiso | 17:30 | Weekdays |
| News | 18:00 | Daily |
| Live PSL Match | 16:00 | Weekends |
| Homecoming | 18:30 | Weekdays |
| My Brother’s Keeper | 19:30 | Weekdays |
| The River | 20:00 | Weekdays |
| International Movie | 20:00 | Saturdays |
Future Strategy Updates
MultiChoice said that future channel strategy updates would be communicated when available. The company’s focus on consolidating content reflects changing viewer habits, as it aims to provide a more streamlined and efficient service. The broadcaster said these changes are designed to improve the overall user experience as media consumption habits change.
Wethu+ Combines Three Channels into One
The Wethu+ channel combines the programming of three previous channels into one, offering a unique mix of entertainment, educational content, and live sports.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Wethu+?
- Wethu+ is a new DStv channel that combines Mzansi Wethu, Mzansi Bioskop, and Mzansi Magic Music into a single channel, offering local entertainment, movies, and live PSL soccer.
- How much is the new DStv Starter package?
- The new DStv Starter package costs R99 per month and includes the Wethu+ channel.
- What happened to the DStv Compact package?
- DStv Compact customers were migrated to the new DStv Sports package, which retains the R399-per-month price.
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