With MultiChoice's strategic reorientation, the landscape of African streaming is set to change.
Image: File
Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies is scheduling a special oversight visit to the broadcasting sector, after French media giant Canal+ said it would discontinue its loss-making streaming service Showmax.
The news comes after Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Member of Parliament, Sixolise Gcilishe, wrote to the Portfolio Committee chairperson, Khusela Sangoni-Diko, after the news broke that Canal+ would be shutting down Showmax.
The streaming platform, launched by MultiChoice in 2015, is available in at least 44 African countries and has been a home for African films and TV series.
"MultiChoice, part of CANAL+ SA ... today announces the forthcoming discontinuation of the Showmax service," Canal+ said in a statement.
"The substantial annual losses experienced by the Showmax business have proved unsustainable."
Gcilishe had requested that MultiChoice (Pty) Ltd provide an update to the committee on the termination of the Showmax platform, the associated job losses, and the prospects for local productions.
“This decision raises significant concerns relevant to our committee's responsibilities, particularly regarding the support of the local creative industry, job retention, and adherence to transformation goals within our digital economy.
“Showmax has been crucial in contributing to our national identity and pushing the South African narrative by providing a platform for local producers, actors, writers and technical teams,” Gcilishe said.
Despite holding a 17% streaming market share in South Africa and being a strong supporter of local content, Showmax, launched by MultiChoice in 2015, is set to be phased out over time, leaving its future uncertain as Netflix leads with 27%.
Image: IOL
“Its discontinuation poses a serious risk of diminishing a critical distribution avenue for local content, potentially resulting in a cultural landscape overly influenced by international programs.
“We need to hear from MultiChoice about the future of local productions currently featured on Showmax and the status of existing production contracts. South Africa is grappling with severe unemployment,” Gcilishe said.
“Any significant corporate changes by a major entity like MultiChoice will likely result in job losses, affecting not just the company but also the wider creative sector, including writers, directors, editors, and freelance workers reliant on streaming services for income.”
Gcilishe asked that MultiChoice be prepared to address the following specific topics in their presentation:
Sangoni-Diko said that the matters Gcilishe raised are significant to the stability of South Africa’s creative economy and the sustainability of local content production.
“It is for this reason that the committee had already initiated engagements with key entities with a view to inviting them to account to Parliament.
"The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) and the Competition Commission are scheduled to brief the committee on 17 March 2026 on the regulatory conditions, public interest commitments, and compliance requirements linked to the final approval of the Canal+ acquisition of MultiChoice,” Sangoni-Diko said.
“Following this, the committee is working on scheduling a special oversight visit to the broadcasting sector on 31 March and 1 April 2026, covering eTV, MultiChoice, and other commercial broadcasters.
“This will enable the committee to engage directly with Canal+ and industry stakeholders on the status of the Showmax platform, the implications for local content producers, employment considerations, and the company’s ongoing investment commitments to South Africa’s creative industries,” she said.
Chairperson, Khusela Sangoni-Diko.
Image: Phando Jikelo / Parliament RSA
Sangoni-Diko said that the committee continues to advance its legislative amendment programme, which includes proposed amendments to the Electronic Communications Act No. 36 of 2005.
“These amendments seek to incorporate the regulation of Over-the-Top (OTT) services such as Showmax into the legislative framework to ensure regulatory clarity, protect local content, and align the broadcasting environment with emerging technological developments.”