Bittersweet moment for MultiChoice subscribers

…company offers 75% discount for two months while increasing overall prices

MultiChoice Namibia has given its subscribers a 75% markdown amid increasing demand from streaming platforms like Netflix and Prime Video.

“75% OFF Any package! Get Premium NAD480, Compact+ NAD328, Compact NAD240, Family NAD180, Access NAD85.

Offer ends 30 September PVR/Xtraview NAD130. T&Cs,” MultiChoice has told its subscribers in an SMS.

The company will, however, be increasing its subscriber ceiling prices over the long term.

MultiChoice Namibia spokesperson Elzita Beukes has confirmed the increase and special offer.

“Yes, l can confirm,” she said yesterday.

This decision has drawn criticism from Namibians who already view DStv as expensive, with many opting for alternatives like Netflix.

Windhoek-based DStv subscriber Tendu Kampanyama says the company should review its prices as some viewers only pay their subscriptions during football season.

“I think DStv is a waste of time, because I don’t get to watch what I want, and the only thing on DStv is sport,” he says.

Agnes Iipinge says she still maintains her DStv subscription for news and to entertain her children.

She does not think DStv should shut down.

“The children will be affected as they watch TV more than the adults. I cannot allow my children to watch Netflix, because there is a lot of adult content,” she says.

MultiChoice’s total assets recently declined from N$47.6 billion to N$43.9 billion, while its liabilities increased to around N$45 billion.

A contributor to the company’s financial difficulties is a new long-term loan of N$12 billion taken to manage daily operations.

The group has, however, accelerated its cost-reduction programme, aiming to save N$2 billion by the 2025 financial year.

“These targets have been embedded in the group’s budgets and within the personal objectives of key executives to drive delivery,” it says.

According to a report, the company has seen a 9% decrease in active subscribers, impacting its revenue.

“The group will also continue its efforts to drive growth in focused areas, notably Showmax, Moment, SuperSportBet, DStv Insurance, DStv Internet and DStv Stream.”