MultiChoice To Shut Down Streaming Platform Showmax After 11 Years
Updated March 5, 2026
MultiChoice has revealed plans to shut down its streaming platform, Showmax, after more than a decade of operation.
The company communicated the decision to subscribers through an email on Thursday, explaining that the move followed a detailed review by the platform’s board.
In the message sent to users, Showmax stated that the board had resolved to discontinue the service in the near future as part of a broader strategy.
According to MultiChoice, the decision aims to strengthen its overall digital services and ensure long-term sustainability in a highly competitive streaming industry.
Despite the announcement, the company assured subscribers that the service will continue operating for now.
“Importantly, at the moment there will be no interruption to your current service. You can continue streaming as usual, and no action is required from you at this time,” the statement said.
While no exact timeline has been provided for the shutdown, MultiChoice said it will keep subscribers informed and provide adequate notice ahead of any changes.
The company also emphasised that customers remain a top priority and that efforts are underway to ensure a smooth transition once further plans are finalised.
Showmax was launched in 2015 in South Africa and later expanded across Africa, becoming one of the continent’s major streaming platforms. It offers a variety of content including movies, TV series, sports, and documentaries.
The development comes after South African authorities approved the acquisition of MultiChoice by French media giant Canal+, the parent company of StudioCanal.
The deal allows Canal+ to take control of Africa’s largest pay-TV operator, which runs DStv and GOtv.
As part of the agreement, Canal+ made a mandatory cash offer of ZAR125 (about $7.11) per share to acquire all remaining MultiChoice shares not already in its possession.
The approval also included commitments aimed at increasing the participation of historically disadvantaged persons (HDPs) and small, micro, and medium enterprises (SMMEs) in South Africa’s audiovisual industry, while maintaining investments in local entertainment and sports programming.
Canal+ and MultiChoice are currently working on a structural arrangement designed to comply with South Africa’s Electronic Communications Act, including plans to separate MultiChoice’s South African broadcasting licence holder into an independent entity with majority ownership by HDPs.