Cable TV provider, Multichoice, has come under criticism across the continent of Africa over repeated broadcasts on DStv channels.
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An online petition on change.org has so far seen 189,385 of the 200,000 targeted South Africans demanding “DStv to give South African subscribers a payment break or decrease prices during Covid-19.”
South African subscribers accused DStv of ignoring their biggest market while discounting subscription charges in other countries like Nigeria.
There are 8.2 million DStv subscribers in South Africa and 10.7 million subscribers from the rest of Africa raking in 25.7bn rand in revenue in the first quarter of financial year 2019/20.
Findings suggest that Nigeria is DStv’s biggest market outside South Africa, contributing about 33 per cent of the total subscription revenue for the rest of Africa (RoA) in 2018.
According to figures from MultiChoice Group, Kenya and Zambia contributed 12 per cent each while other markets contributed 43 per cent.
In the first half of the financial year 2019/20, Nigeria contributed 38 per cent, Kenya 10 per cent and Zambia at 9 per cent and the rest of Africa- 42 per cent.
The Chief Commercial Officer of MultiChoice Nigeria, Martin Gaone Mabutho, speaking about the discount, said:
The discounts given are in line with MultiChoice’s mission to provide quality content and a chance for their loyal and valued customer base to experience a wider range of content on higher packages.
Meanwhile, Ugandan subscribers have joined the call for a discount on their DStv subscription, saying that the company showed a lack of respect towards them.
Reacting to the claims, Multichoice Uganda in a statement explained that they are not considering subscription discounts because they operate different economic markets
As much as possible, MultiChoice consistently strives to absorb its operating costs possible to bring our customers the best value. Although we are unable to give free subscriptions at this time, we have launched the “DStv Tweyanziza” and GOtv “Mwebale Nnyo” offers for our subscribers with effect from 20th April 2020.
These offers are our gestures to give our customers even more value during this difficult time. We are giving DStv and GOtv customers access to all the channels available on the next higher package from their current one if they pay their current subscription in full. We know times are tough and we will continue to strive to add value to our subscribers at a time when they need it.
