DStv has introduced a new general-entertainment channel, Wethu+, as part of a sweeping overhaul of its South African packages that has reshaped the broadcaster’s channel line-up and subscription structure.
Wethu+ is positioned as a family-focused channel bringing together local television, movies, educational programming and live football. The channel replaces Mzansi Wethu on DStv channel 163 and combines programming previously carried across Mzansi Wethu, Mzansi Bioskop and Mzansi Magic Music.
MultiChoice said the channel was designed to offer a broad mix of programming for households seeking both entertainment and sports in a single destination.
“Designed for the whole family, the channel brings together popular telenovelas, drama series, local movies, children’s programming, educational content, and live PSL action,” the company said.
The new channel also expands its movie offering with international blockbusters, while retaining a strong focus on South African programming, including local and dubbed telenovelas and reality shows.
Live PSL football added to entertainment line-up
One of Wethu+’s most notable additions is live football, with MultiChoice incorporating Premier Soccer League action into the channel’s broader entertainment schedule.
“During the football season, viewers can enjoy two live PSL matches every weekend on channel 163,” the company said.
“The addition of live football alongside drama, movies and family entertainment gives Wethu+ a unique appeal, offering viewers access to both sport and entertainment on a single channel.”
The football offering is being integrated alongside the channel’s regular schedule rather than presented as a standalone sports service.
In prime time, viewers will have access to a mixture of established local programmes and new seasons of popular shows. MultiChoice highlighted Umhlaba Wezifiso Season 1 and Shaka iLembe Season 2 among the channel’s programming.
The schedule will also include new episodes of Homecoming Season 2, My Brother’s Keeper Season 2 and The River Season 6.
Education and children's programming
Wethu+ will also carry educational and family-oriented content, with children’s and learning programmes forming part of its daytime schedule.
“The channel includes dedicated educational and family-focused programming that supports learning while keeping younger viewers engaged,” MultiChoice said.
“Children’s and educational content form part of the daytime schedule, while Woza Matrics provides Matric learners with valuable revision and exam-preparation support.”
Woza Matrics will air from 17:00 on Mondays to Thursdays, giving learners access to revision and exam-preparation content during the school week.
The channel will also feature daily news updates and a dedicated international movie slot on Saturday evenings.
Wethu+ programming schedule
| Content | Time | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Music Programming | 07:00 | Daily |
| Educational & Children’s Content | 08:00 | Mondays to Saturdays |
| Woza Matrics | 17:00 | Mondays to Thursdays |
| Umhlaba Wezifiso | 17:30 | Weekdays |
| News | 18:00 | Daily |
| Live PSL Match | 16:00 | Weekends |
| Homecoming | 18:30 | Weekdays |
| My Brother’s Keeper | 19:30 | Weekdays |
| The River | 20:00 | Weekdays |
| International Movie | 20:00 | Saturdays |
Wethu+ is available to subscribers on the DStv Starter package and above.
DStv restructures packages
The launch comes as DStv implements one of its biggest package and channel restructures in years.
The changes took effect on Thursday, 17 September 2026, introducing new subscription options while retaining some older packages for existing customers under grandfathered arrangements.
Among the biggest changes is the creation of a dedicated DStv Sports package. Customers who previously subscribed to DStv Compact were migrated to the new sports-focused package, with the streaming-only option remaining at R399 per month.
Despite its sports positioning, DStv Sports also retains the entertainment content that was available under Compact.
“Your ticket to the game. Thrilling local and international sport comes together with Premier League, PSL, Champions League, cricket, local rugby, UFC, and WWE,” DStv said.
The migration gives former Compact subscribers access to four additional channels, alongside a significantly expanded sports offering.
The channels available include the WWE Channel, SuperSport Events, Blitz, PSL, Premier League, La Liga, Football, Football Plus, Kickoff, Africa, Action, Extra, Cricket and Schools.
The package also includes ESPN 1 and ESPN 2, SportyTV, M Movies Stars, M Movies Legends, Studio Universal, MovieRoom, Universal TV, Comedy Central and Discovery ID.
New Movies & Series package
For subscribers primarily interested in television and films, DStv has launched a separate Movies & Series package.
The package is aimed at customers who want premium entertainment programming without paying for a sports-focused subscription. It costs R500 per month and includes channels such as M-Net, kykNET, M-Net Movies+ and BBC Earth.
The move effectively creates a clearer separation between DStv’s sports and entertainment offerings while giving customers different options depending on the type of content they watch most.
Entry-level packages retained
At the lower end of the market, DStv has retained its EasyView package at R30 per month.
The entry-level service provides access to more than 30 channels, including TNT Africa, e.tv Extra, SuperSport Blitz and Moja 99.
DStv Access customers have been moved to the new DStv Starter package, while customers on the Family package have been migrated to DStv Select.
The broadcaster has also retained Compact Plus for existing customers, although the package is no longer available to new subscribers.
Existing Compact Plus customers are being upgraded to DStv Premium for the time being.
DStv Premium remains the broadcaster’s highest-tier package and continues to offer what DStv describes as the “full DStv channel experience”.
The package overhaul, together with the launch of Wethu+, marks a substantial reshaping of DStv’s offering in South Africa, with the broadcaster placing greater emphasis on separating sports and entertainment while also introducing broader programming combinations at different subscription levels.