South African DStv subscribers are bracing for another increase in their monthly bills, following a recent hike in subscription fees and an imminent rise in value-added tax (VAT). From May, VAT will increase from 15% to 15.5%, compounding the impact of DStv’s April price adjustments.
MultiChoice South Africa implemented subscription increases across all packages from April, in line with similar moves by MultiChoice Africa in other sub-Saharan countries. The company cited rising inflation and currency depreciation as major drivers, with some regional prices surging by up to 22%.
In South Africa, DStv Premium subscribers are now paying R979—an increase of R50 (5.3%) from the previous R929. DStv Compact Plus rose by R40 to R659 (6.4%), while DStv Compact jumped R10 to R479 (2.1%).
Other packages were not spared. DStv Family rose by R10 to R339 (3.03%), DStv Access increased by R11 to R150 (7.9%), and DStv EasyView went up by R1 to R30 (3.44%). The DStv Access fee also climbed R5 to R125 (4.1%).
While the basic Showmax subscription remains unchanged at R99, its Premier League and mobile offerings have seen price hikes.
Consumers are now left grappling with escalating entertainment costs, as the combined effect of VAT adjustments and subscription increases takes hold.