DStv Confirms 11 Popular Channels Will Be Shut Down Ahead of 2026, Viewers Disappointed
- DStv is reportedly cutting 11 more popular channels following earlier news that four would be removed before 2026
- On Tuesday, 2 December 2025, a social media user shared a screenshot of a notification from the MyDStv app, announcing the 11 channels that would be affected
- Social media users reacted with disappointment and frustration, with some proposing solutions
- Briefly News got more insight into another major change that will affect DStv customers
Source: Getty Images
DStv reportedly confirmed that it was canning 11 more popular channels following news that it was also doing away with four channels, namely BET Africa, MTV Base, CBS Justice, and CBS Reality, this festive season.
DStv reportedly announced to its subscribers that 11 channels would no longer be available from 31 December 2025.
Which 11 popular channels is DStv cancelling?
On Tuesday, 2 December 2025, @RealTshemedi shared a screenshot of a notification from the MyDStv app informing them that 11 channels would not be available starting 1 January 2026. The post was captioned:
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“Dark days for DStv 💔”
According to the screenshot, the 11 channels that would no longer be available on DStv are Discovery Channel, TLC Africa, TNT Africa, Food Network, Travel Channel, Investigation Discovery, Cartoon Network, Cartoonito and CNN International.
Additionally, reports suggest that Paramount Africa has confirmed that BET Africa and MTV Base will stop broadcasting at the end of 2025 as part of a global restructuring effort.
Meanwhile, while Trace lovers will continue to enjoy their favourite music channel, Briefly News journalist Moroba Maepa learns that the channel has received a facelift.
The music channel, together with Canal + and MultiChoice, has rebranded to Trace Ngoma, celebrating the rhythms, voices, and stories that define the nation’s cultural identity. The channel will showcase homegrown sounds, from Amapiano and Maskandi to Gqom and Lemkompo.
In an exclusive interview shared with Maepa, the CEO of MultiChoice, Willington Ngwepe, said the rebrand was an effort to connect with South African audiences.
"Our customers want to see themselves reflected on screen - their music, their languages, their culture. TRACE NGOMA brings that to life in a powerful way. This rebrand aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver meaningful local entertainment that celebrates who we are as South Africans."
Similarly, Olivier Laouchez, Co-Founder and CEO of Trace, added:
"TRACE NGOMA is where music meets identity. It amplifies the rhythms and stories that define South African culture and gives young people a space to connect and feel seen."
The channel will feature a selection of locally-curated shows, including Amapiano plz, Maskandi Vibes, Ke Hip Hop Dawg, and more, set to launch on 18 December, 15:00, on DStv Channel 326.
See the photo below:
The announcement follows an earlier announcement by MultiChoice informing subscribers that they had failed to renew their agreement with Warner Bros Discovery. It was unclear at the time of writing whether this distribution agreement also affected the HBO content broadcast elsewhere on the DStv platform.
SA reacts as DStv confirms plans to cancel 11 popular channels
After @RealTshemedi shared a screenshot of DStv’s announcement that 11 channels would no longer be available to viewers, social media users weighed in with solemn responses. Several netizens were saddened that some of their favourite channels would no longer be available.
Some suggested that the satellite TV provider, which was previously slammed for price increases, should reduce them. Others hoped their favourite channels wouldn’t suffer the same fate as the other ones.
Here are some of the comments:
@BuhleTheFirst declared:
“If I still had DStv, I'd be unsubscribing now. I loved Investigation Discovery. Not having it would definitely be a deal breaker.”
@Kgosigadi_Mj suggested:
“Then they should reduce subscriptions.”
@sbxmc highlighted:
“And the prices remain the same. It's a scam.”
@Athi1942 remarked:
“I hope SuperSport channels are not affected because they are the only reason I pay DSTV.”
@Mafika_TM lamented:
“Getting rid of informative channels, leaving abo Moja Love and Mzansi.”
@CMahlatlola complained:
“Eish, I like TNT Africa, TLC Africa and CNN International. Maybe they will reduce their price next year.”
@King_Turbofx10 said:
“Those are useless channels.”
@judy_zulu shared:
“It's about to get 00:00 for them. We said we want to pick and choose our channels.”
Source: Getty Images
BET Africa responds to rumours Black Gold has abruptly ended
Meanwhile, Briefly News reported that BET Africa (channel 129) responded to reports that its popular telenovela, Black Gold, would end in December.
Black Gold is led by actress Nomalanga Shozi, Sello Maake kaNcube, Dawn Thandeka King, and Zamani Mbatha. South Africans and fans of the series previously took to social media to comment on the show's storylines.
Proofreading by Roxanne Dos Ramos, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.
Source: Briefly News
