Effective April 1, 2025, MultiChoice will increase its subscription fees, a move that has raised concern among consumers already struggling with economic hardships. The decision comes at a time when many households are grappling with the rising cost of living, frequent load shedding, and declining content quality.
The rising prices of essential goods such as food, fuel, and electricity have already stretched household budgets. Consumers argue that the price hike further adds to their financial burden, especially since power outages limit their ability to fully utilize the service. Many subscribers have also voiced frustration over repetitive and outdated content, questioning whether the increase is justified.
MultiChoice, however, may defend the price adjustment by citing increased operational costs, inflation, and expenses related to content licensing. The company also invests in exclusive live sports coverage and streaming services, which provide added value.
Some consumers believe the company has been impacted by a decline in subscriptions due to prolonged load shedding. This is evident from follow-up calls made by MultiChoice agents, encouraging customers to use alternative devices like tablets and smartphones. However, this option remains impractical since these gadgets still require electricity for charging.
From a consumer rights perspective, the price increase is questionable unless MultiChoice improves content quality and service delivery. A possible alternative could be the introduction of a pay-per-view model, allowing customers to pay only for the content they watch—an approach that has proven successful in countries like South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya.
Additionally, offering discounted packages during load shedding or bundling services with affordable data plans could help retain customers without overburdening them financially.
Rather than relying solely on price hikes, MultiChoice is urged to explore innovative solutions to maintain customer loyalty and ensure affordability for struggling consumers.
By Nancy Mwape