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Multichoice in serious trouble as customers are dumping DStv in droves..

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5 months ago

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South Africans are dumping DStv as access to affordable uncapped broadband improves and online streaming services gain popularity.

 

MultiChoice’s annual report for the year ended 31 March 2024 revealed that active DStv subscribers in South Africa declined from 8.0 million to 7.6 million over the last year.

 

Although South Africa only accounted for 48.5% of MultiChoice’s active subscribers, it accounted for 60% of group revenue.

 

 

This means South Africa is a core part of MultiChoice’s operations and is important to ensure its financial sustainability.

 

 

However, the company is struggling to hold on to its subscribers – South Africans are dumping DStv in droves.

 

“Active subscribers declined from 8.0 million to 7.6 million, while the 90-day active base reduced from 9.3 million to 8.6 million,” MultiChoice said.

 

What is particularly concerning is that all segments of MultiChoice’s DStv subscriber base declined.

 

DStv Premium declined by 8% year-on-year.

 

DStv mid-market declined by 9% year-on-year.

 

DStv mass market declined by 1% year-on-year.

 

Simply put, DStv is losing subscribers across the board, and there is no clear way to convince them to return.

 

 

Multichoice, dusted off its book of excuses, including severe economic pressure, consumers’ financial distress, the high cost of living, and elevated interest rates.

 

“The impact of consistent load-shedding creates an environment where customers are reluctant to reconnect,” MultiChoice said.

 

“This translated into an overall drop in viewership, subscriber activity, and subscriber numbers.”

 

However, as MultiChoice should have discovered by now, excuses do not make up for lost subscribers or lower revenue.

 

 

Multichoice’s financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 showed that it recorded a R4.1 billion loss and has become technically insolvent.

 

 

The bad news for MultiChoice is that the factors that caused its subscriber decline and dismal financial position are accelerating.

 

The main reason for DStv Premium’s decline over the last eight years was a combination of uncapped fibre and Netflix launching in South Africa.

 

Uncapped fibre was initially only available in richer areas, so DStv Premium was the first segment to decline.

 

As uncapped fibre and wireless alternatives, like Rain, started reaching middle- and lower-income areas, those households also started to dump DStv.

 

 

Companies like Vumatel and Herotel are now accelerating the rollout of affordable fibre services in lower-income communities.

 

It does not take a rocket scientist to predict what will happen to DStv subscriptions in these areas as households get uncapped Internet access.

 

To make matters worse, online streaming is also improving rapidly. Netflix and Amazon Prime are no longer DStv’s main concerns.

 

 

Whether people are looking for sports, movies, TV series, or documentaries, a streaming service serves that need. Many of them are free.

 

MultiChoice saw this problem coming and, in preparation, launched two initiatives – bundled broadband access and a bundled streaming package.

 

However, these initiatives were not as successful as MultiChoice would have hoped. It failed to get the traction it anticipated.

 

 

Multichoice discontinued its DStv Internet fibre products, including bundled offers that combined Premium or Compact subscriptions.

 

MultiChoice told MyBroadband it will “continue to review the DStv Internet offerings as demands shift.”

 

To rub salt into their wounds, Telkom plans to launch a content platform with Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and other streaming services for one fee.

 

Telkom is building a content aggregating platform where users can subscribe to a bundle of streaming services.

 

Telkom Consumer CEO Lunga Siyo said Telkom will provide the data needed for their subscribers to stream the content they subscribe to.

 

As entertainment moved from satellite to Internet streaming, it opened the door for companies like Telkom to compete against MultiChoice.

 

 

Multichoice previously warned that over-the-top (OTT) streaming providers like Netflix and YouTube pose an existential competitive threat to its DStv offering.

 

This scenario is now coming true, and unless MultiChoice can become a big streaming player through

Showmax and DStv Stream, it will face serious challenges.

 

– Daily Investor (South Africa)

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Nigerian Art Icons Lemi Ghariokwu and Ini Dan to be Honored at Ojez Forum on Sunday

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2 days ago

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February 21, 2025

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A celebration of artistic excellence is on the horizon as the February edition of the Ojez Forum pays tribute to two giants of Nigerian art: Lemi Ghariokwu and Otunba Akang Ini Dan. The event will be held this Sunday at Ojez Lounge, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

 

Lemi Ghariokwu, also known as Emmanuel Sunday, is a self-taught Nigerian visual artist celebrated for his distinctive and thought-provoking album cover designs. He is most recognized for his extensive collaboration with Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti, creating the artwork for 26 of Kuti’s albums. Ghariokwu’s art is distinguished by its vibrant colors, meticulous detail, and socio-political messages, reflecting African identity, activism, and cultural pride. His prolific career includes designing over 2,000 album covers for artists around the globe, including iconic figures such as Bob Marley, Miriam Makeba, and Lucky Dube. His work has been showcased in exhibitions worldwide.

Otunba Akang Ini Dan is the Managing Director and CEO of Fodak Production. He is also the founder and chairman of the Sister Heart and Visual Foundation, organizations dedicated to developing artistic talent and promoting Nigeria’s cultural heritage. As Vice President (South West) of the Society for Nigerian Artists, Otunba Dan has been a champion for artists’ rights and a facilitator of platforms for artistic expression.

 

The Ojez Forum is a monthly event that highlights individuals who have made significant contributions to the arts in Nigeria. This month’s gathering promises to be a special occasion, bringing together artists, enthusiasts, and patrons to celebrate the accomplishments of Lemi Ghariokwu and Otunba Akang Ini Dan. Attendees can anticipate engaging discussions, exhibitions, and performances showcasing the vibrant landscape of Nigerian art.

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KongaFM -103.7 Launches “Shop On Radio”

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5 days ago

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February 18, 2025

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For the first time in Africa, radio is no longer just about listening to music and advertisements; it’s added shopping. KongaFM -103.7, Nigeria’s pioneering Hit Music & Commerce radio station, is set to change the way Nigerians buy and sell with the official launch of “Shop On Radio.” On Monday 24th of February, 2025.

 

This is a game changer at a time Nigeria increased data cost by 50%.

 

This groundbreaking initiative, powered by an innovative partnership between KongaFM and Konga.com, turns live radio broadcasts into an interactive shopping experience, allowing listeners to place orders seamlessly, even without wasting so much cash on Data. Nigerian shoppers now have options with Konga.com and most importantly rock buttom prices on all items announced live on radio and delivered same day in lagos if orders are placed before 12noon.

 

Shoppers are encouraged to open a wallet with Kongapay.com as stock may be limited and orders shall be treated on first paid.

 

According to Mayowa Oladeji, Communications Lead at KongaFM, this marks a major shift in the e-commerce landscape.

“For the first time in Africa, radio is becoming an interactive shopping destination, bringing together millions of listeners and turning them into instant shoppers. We urge manufacturers and business owners to seize this opportunity by reaching out via WhatsApp, email, or Konga.com to showcase their products to a ready market.

Thanks to our innovative partnership, customers in Lagos who order during the show will enjoy guaranteed best prices and same-day delivery in Lagos, while we conclude logistics for same day delivery in other major cities of Nigeria before month of June this year, making shopping faster and more convenient than ever. This is a component of the future of commerce in Africa powered by KongaFM -103.7, streaming globally on kongafm.com 24hours every day.

 

How It Works

Listeners can tune in to “Shop On Radio” every morning from 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM and again in the evening from 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM. Products will be announced live on air, often with exclusive discounts, and customers can place orders instantly via WhatsApp or Konga.com. A KongaFM representative confirms the order, and for Lagos-based shoppers, delivery is completed the same day; a service made possible by Konga Logistics’ expanded fleet of 140 trucks, buses, and over 120 motorbikes.

Beyond Lagos, Nigerians across the country, and even in the diaspora, can participate by streaming live at kongafm.com, ensuring that no one is left out of this retail revolution.

A Win-Win for Shoppers and Businesses

With high internet costs, trust issues, and logistical inefficiencies still posing challenges to e-commerce in Nigeria, Shop On Radio offers a data-free, fast, and trusted alternative for both buyers and sellers.

 

For shoppers, this means exclusive deals, quick and easy WhatsApp ordering, and guaranteed same-day delivery in Lagos. For businesses, including manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and SMEs, this is a golden opportunity to reach a massive, engaged audience instantly and boost sales in real time.

Shoppers and merchants beyond Lagos can also seamlessly place orders or advertise their businesses, with Konga Logistics’ expanded fleet ensuring timely and efficient nationwide delivery.

 

To further enhance the experience, Konga.com has upgraded its call center to handle increased order volumes, ensuring smooth transactions and customer support.

More Than Just Shopping—A 24/7 Experience

KongaFM is more than a marketplace; it’s a dynamic platform designed to cater to diverse audiences. The station kicks off each day from 5 -7am with Morning Inspiration, featuring best global gospel music with uplifting words to start you day blessed captioned -Start your Day with God, and same All Sundays. It is inspiring both for Entrepreneurs, students, unemployed, employed and those retired. It is unbelievable these contents are domiciled in a Nigeria radio station powered by AI, ensuring a well-rounded listening experience beyond commerce.

KongaFm 103.7 in support of a new economy is also extending Free Advertisement to both big, medium and small businesses to showcase their products. Interested companies are advised to call 07080635705 or email info@kongafm.com

 

The future of shopping is here. Don’t just listen. Shop, sell, and save; all on KongaFM -103.7!

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Lagos Tourism commissioner on working visit to San Francisco film and entertainment commission

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1 week ago

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February 15, 2025

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Lagos Tourism commissioner on working visit to San Francisco film and entertainment commission

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