MultiChoice is bringing back one of South Africa’s most nostalgic TV traditions – “Open Time” – as part of its celebrations marking 30 years since DStv’s launch in 1995.
For one weekend only, from 7 to 9 November 2025, all active DStv satellite customers will receive free access to the full DStv Premium bouquet, including top-tier sports, blockbuster movies, and international entertainment channels.
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The limited promotion echoes the beloved “Open Time” era of the 1990s, when South Africans could sample M-Net’s premium content for free on Sunday evenings.
A nostalgic return with a modern twist
“When DStv launched in 1995, Open Time gave South Africans their first taste of subscription television,” said Byron du Plessis, CEO of South African Pay TV at MultiChoice.
“Bringing it back is a nod to that legacy – and part of our strategy to make entertainment more accessible.”
To amplify the nostalgia, familiar faces from DStv’s early days – including Ashley Hayden, Scot Scott, and Doreen Morris – will feature in the campaign.
A blockbuster weekend lineup
The Open Time weekend will coincide with a massive sporting schedule, including:
- The Springboks vs France Test
- The Manchester City vs Liverpool Premier League clash
- The Brazilian Grand Prix
MultiChoice hopes the free-access period will encourage more customers to upgrade to Premium while reconnecting with long-time subscribers.
Decoder price cuts and new perks
In addition to Open Time, MultiChoice is cutting decoder prices from 1 November – by 30% in retail stores and over 40% through its new online DStv Store.
Newcomers will be able to buy a standalone HD decoder for R300 (or R700 with installation) from MultiChoice’s online store.
Premium subscribers will also receive two extra device streams during November and December, along with:
- Concierge customer support
- Expanded rewards like BoxOffice credits, travel prizes, and access to exclusive live events
Canal+ influence and the road ahead
The relaunch follows French broadcaster Canal+’s recent acquisition of MultiChoice Group, which has already brought leadership changes and a renewed focus on innovation and market growth.
While the Open Time event is limited to decoder users – streaming-only subscribers won’t get free Premium access – all DStv customers can still take part in anniversary rewards promotions.
MultiChoice says the campaign is both a celebration of DStv’s legacy and a signal of its evolution as it adapts to new viewing habits in the streaming era.
“We’re celebrating where we came from – but we’re also showing that DStv is evolving for the future,” Du Plessis added.
