MultiChoice has announced plans to discontinue its streaming platform, Showmax, after eleven years of operation.
The decision was communicated to subscribers on Thursday via email, informing them of an impending shutdown following what the company described as a comprehensive strategic review.
“We’re writing to inform you of an important update regarding Showmax,” the message read. “Following a comprehensive review, the Showmax Board has taken the decision to discontinue the Showmax service in the near future.”
MultiChoice said the move is part of efforts to strengthen its broader digital strategy and ensure long-term sustainability in an increasingly competitive streaming market.
The company assured subscribers that there will be no immediate disruption to services. “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,” it stated.
Although no specific timeline was provided for the shutdown, MultiChoice said subscribers remain a priority and promised to communicate further details, including transition plans, well in advance.
Launched in 2015 in South Africa, Showmax expanded across Africa, offering sports, movies, documentaries and series via internet streaming. The platform was positioned to compete with global streaming giants while meeting growing demand for online entertainment on the continent.
The development comes amid major corporate changes at MultiChoice. In 2025, South African authorities approved the acquisition of MultiChoice by French media giant Canal+, parent company of StudioCanal. The deal includes a mandatory cash offer of ZAR125 per share for remaining shares not already held by Canal+.
As part of the approval conditions, the transaction includes public interest commitments to boost participation of historically disadvantaged persons and small businesses in South Africa’s audiovisual sector, alongside guarantees of continued investment in local entertainment and sports content.
Canal+ and MultiChoice are also implementing a structural reorganisation to comply with South Africa’s Electronic Communications Act, including plans to separate MultiChoice’s South African broadcasting licensee into an independent entity majority-owned by historically disadvantaged persons.