South Africa’s pay-TV market has fallen below 7 million subscribers for the first time in more than five years, according to new data from Independent Communications Authority of South Africa.
In its latest State of the ICT Sector report, Icasa said total pay-TV subscribers declined by 9.6% to 6.7 million as of September 2025, down from 7.4 million a year earlier. The regulator highlighted a sustained downward trend, with subscriptions falling at a compound annual rate of 5.2% between 2021 and 2025.
The decline comes amid structural changes in the market, with increasing competition from OTT streaming services and wider economic pressures on consumers cited as key drivers. Icasa also pointed to the rapid growth in fixed broadband connections, which rose by 19.3%, reinforcing the shift towards internet-delivered video.
The figures pre-date the completion of Canal+’s takeover of MultiChoice Group, but underline the challenges facing the operator’s core DStv business.
Since assuming control, Canal+ has signalled a strategic reset, including scrapping annual price increases in an effort to stabilise subscriber numbers. The group has also moved to streamline its streaming strategy, including the closure of the Showmax platform, as it seeks to reposition the business in a more competitive environment.
Icasa’s report also showed a 4.6% decline in total broadcasting revenue to approximately $1.9 billion (€1.75 billion), with subscription income of $1.5 billion (€1.38 billion) still accounting for nearly three-quarters of the total. Advertising contributed $356 million (€327 million).
Despite falling revenues and audiences, programme expenditure increased by 7.6% to R17.2 billion (€0.84 billion), including around $71 million (€65 million) spent on local independent productions. The regulator flagged this divergence as a potential sustainability concern for the sector.
The report suggests the pay-TV market is entering a period of structural adjustment, with Icasa noting growing calls for regulatory intervention, including a possible inquiry into the competitive impact of OTT services.
For MultiChoice and its new owner Canal+, the priority will be to halt subscriber losses and return the business to growth in a market increasingly defined by streaming-first consumption.
