DStv to Lose 2 Mzansi Channels in September, More Axings Expected: "This Is Just the Beginning"
- Canal+ confirmed it is dropping two Mzansi-branded DStv channels on 16 September 2026, with a TV critic warning more cuts are on the way
- Independent TV critic Thinus Ferreira revealed the channel axings, saying he had warned about this at the start of 2026
- SuperSport channels on DStv are also getting new names from 18 August, as Canal+ continues reshaping the platform
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DStv subscribers are in for a shakeup, and not the kind anyone was hoping for. Canal+ has confirmed it will pull both Mzansi Bioskop (DStv 164) and Mzansi Music (DStv 321) from the platform on 16 September 2026, and according to well-known independent TV critic Thinus Ferreira, this is only the beginning.
Ferreira, who posts as @TVwithThinus on X, broke the news on Thursday, 6 August 2026, adding that he had flagged this possibility to several people at the start of the year. He also warned that further channel cuts beyond the two confirmed axings are on the cards.
More DStv changes coming in August
Alongside the September channel removals, Canal+ is also rolling out a round of SuperSport channel renames from 18 August 2026. Variety 1 becomes Football+ (channel 206), Variety 2 becomes KickOff (207), Variety 3 becomes Africa (208), and Variety 4 becomes Action (209). The existing Action channel will be rebranded as SuperSport Extra (210).
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When a follower asked Ferreira whether Canal+'s acquisition of MultiChoice might bring new channels, particularly more current affairs and news content from across the African continent, his response was blunt. He said the opposite is happening, with broadcasters across Africa scaling back on channels generally. He also noted that current affairs as a genre is being quietly abandoned by commercial broadcasters, which view it as unprofitable and likely to create friction with governments.
Mzansi reacts after DStv cuts two more channels
The announcement did not go down well with many subscribers. Here is what some people had to say:
@klivesean said:
"Canal+ must get rid of those Nigerian film channels, Africa Magic channels."
@BirthedIWas wrote:
"Better integrate Showmax because the diversity it brought in African production is unmatched."
@Edwardkm111May commented:
"Yeah saw it coming tbh, think they will only keep 161."
@mohohlo_lerato posted:
"As long as they CUT prices too 😑"
Source: Getty Images
DStv viewers comment on Canal+ dumping Delicious Festival
In related news, Briefly News previously reported that Canal+ had also reportedly ended its sponsorship of the DStv Delicious Festival.
The move came shortly after the company announced the discontinuation of Showmax, adding to a growing list of changes as Canal+ continues to reshape the DStv platform.
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Source: Briefly News
