Showmax to shut down as MultiChoice reviews streaming strategy after Canal+ takeover

Months after Groupe Canal+, the media arm of Vivendi and part of French billionaire Vincent Bolloré’s Bolloré Group, completed its takeover of MultiChoice Group, the Johannesburg-listed media giant has decided to shut down Showmax after reviewing its streaming operations. The company said the platform’s annual losses had become too heavy to sustain.

The decision was communicated to subscribers on Thursday through an email from Showmax. “We’re writing to inform you of an important update regarding Showmax,” the company said in the message sent to customers. “Following a comprehensive review, the Showmax board has taken the decision to discontinue the Showmax service in the near future.”

Subscribers face no immediate service interruption

MultiChoice said the move forms part of a broader effort to strengthen its digital strategy while keeping the business financially stable in a market that has become increasingly crowded. Streaming platforms across the world are facing rising costs for content and technology, forcing companies to reassess which services can remain profitable.

For now, the company said subscribers will continue to have access to the platform. “Importantly, there will be no interruption to your current service,” the email said. “You can continue streaming as usual, and no action is required from you at this time.”

The company did not give a date for the shutdown but said customers would receive updates before any changes take effect. “We understand that this news may raise questions,” the message said. “Showmax subscribers remain a priority for us, and we will ensure clear communication and a smooth transition when the time comes.”

Acquisition expands Canal+ in African media

Launched in 2015 in South Africa, Showmax became a leading African streaming platform. Over ten years, it expanded into multiple markets, offering sports, movies, documentaries, and television series online. The service was designed to compete with international platforms entering Africa’s digital entertainment sector.

The decision to shut down the streaming platform comes months after Canal+ completed the biggest acquisition in its history. In September 2025, the French media group finalized its takeover of MultiChoice in a deal valued at about R35 billion ($2.1 billion). Canal+ paid R125 per share, equivalent to about $7.50, securing control of Africa’s largest pay-TV operator.

Canal+’s acquisition expands its footprint in African media and broadcasting. For MultiChoice, the deal provides financial support from a global media company as traditional pay TV faces competition from international streaming platforms and low-cost digital services. The Showmax review reflects the group’s effort to realign its strategy, prioritizing units that can generate consistent returns while adapting to a shifting entertainment market.