As 2025 draws to a close, viewers of DStv are preparing for a major shake-up: four well‑known channels — BET Africa, MTV Base Africa, CBS Justice and CBS Reality — will be discontinued on DStv and GOtv as of 1 January 2026.
Why these beloved channels are being removed
The decision follows global shifts by their parent companies, notably Paramount Global and CBS AMC Networks International, who have opted to wind down several linear (traditional) TV channels. BET Africa and MTV Base fall under Paramount’s regional operations, while CBS Justice and CBS Reality are part of CBS AMC’s international portfolio.
For many fans, the news marks the end of an era. MTV Base, for example, has served African audiences for two decades since its launch in 2005 — offering music, youth culture and a platform for African and international talent. Meanwhile, BET Africa has built a reputation across the continent since its 2015 debut, broadcasting a mix of drama, reality, movies, and culturally resonant series.
Industry analysts suggest that the closures reflect broader trends: declining pay‑TV subscriptions, rising costs, and a global migration toward streaming and on‑demand content. In fact, recent data shows that DStv and its parent group MultiChoice lost roughly 1.2 million subscribers across Africa in the past year — nearly half of them from South Africa alone.
“Black Gold” finale — wrapping up before the shutdown
One of the most immediate impacts is on popular programming. On BET Africa, the South African telenovela Black Gold had viewers worried that its storyline might end abruptly. But channel operators have reassured fans: starting 22 December 2025, “double episodes” will air — an accelerated schedule to ensure all filmed episodes are shown before BET Africa goes off air.
“Black Gold,” set against the backdrop of mining conflicts and legacy, has built a loyal following. Its story — filled with betrayal, power struggles and family drama — will now conclude with the same dignity it began with in 2015. The channel’s last air date: 31 December 2025.
What’s replacing the lost channels — and what stays
To cushion the blow, MultiChoice has lined up four seasonal “pop‑up” channels for the holiday period and early 2026: The Holiday Channel, DStv 30, FliekNet, and AFCON 2025 (on channels 202 and 222), among others.
The Holiday Channel will broadcast gospel, family-friendly faith content and festive programming until 3 January 2026.
DStv 30 will serve nostalgia, featuring reruns of classic local shows — from early seasons of reality hits to popular older dramas and documentaries.
FliekNet returns with Afrikaans films and festival‑favorite cinema for select subscription tiers.
For sports fans, SS AFCON 2025 will broadcast matches from the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, giving viewers football action during the holiday season.
MultiChoice says other channels — from its existing libraries — will still be available, including some that carry music, movies or series. For example: for music lovers, networks like Trace Africa, Channel O or Sound City remain options.
What this means for subscribers and the future of TV
The move reflects a larger shift in how South Africans — and indeed Africans — watch television. Economic pressures, cost‑of‑living challenges and the rise of streaming and on‑demand services have led many households to drop DStv subscriptions. In South Africa alone, DStv lost about 600,000 subscribers in the past year.
MultiChoice’s pivot — shuttering linear TV channels, adding temporary pop-ups, and leaning more heavily on streaming — seems calculated to retain viewers while adapting to changing media habits.
For long-time fans of music, youth culture, drama, reality shows, and classic channels — it may feel like saying goodbye to familiar companions. But it also signals the start of a new chapter: one where content may be more fluid, diverse and (perhaps) more on-demand than before.
The final episodes of Black Gold will air. The channel guide will look different. And DStv viewers may have to rethink where and how they get their favourite shows — whether through “pop‑up” nostalgia channels, streaming services, or alternative music and entertainment networks.
