DStv Starter Package Differences: Southern Africa Vs. The Rest Of Africa

During the week, it was reported that Canal+ will revamp DStv packages across MultiChoice territories by early November. East and West African feeds will operate under one structure, while MultiChoice consumers in Southern African countries will use a different structure.

If you want to know which package gets what, this series of articles will be useful. Instead of comparing packages within one region, we will look at the differences between regions — starting with DStv Starter in South Africa versus the rest of Africa.

General Entertainment

In Southern African countries, DStv Starter offers a mix of local and international channels. These include BBC UKTV, Telemundo, Bravo, Moja Love, TNT and Movie Room.

In other countries, the focus is more on local content. Channels include Maisha Magic Plus, Pearl Magic and Africa Magic Family, plus Discovery Family and Novelas+.

There is no clear winner here. The packages are so different that it is hard to believe they are the same. MultiChoice SA has more movie and international channels. In other markets, DStv Starter is replacing DStv Lite.

DStv Lite used to be the African version of DStv Easyview. Later it became closer to the South African DStv Starter. It is still known mainly for provincial, religious and news channels. This may change over time with small updates, but big changes seem unlikely after looking at the other packages.

Movies

Southern African viewers get five extra channels: M Movies Legends, TNT, Movie Room, KIX and Africa Magic Epic.  

In other African countries, the movie options are limited to M Movies Legends and Africa Magic Epic.

This shows how market differences affect what people get. If you love movies, DStv Starter in Southern Africa is the better choice. If you do not watch much television, the smaller movie offering in the rest of Africa may still be enough.

It is unclear why other regions have so few movie channels. Outside of M-Net and M Movies+, there is nothing premium. Market differences can leave some viewers with fewer options.

Sport

Southern African consumers get a wider selection, including SuperSport Schools and Racing240.  

Other African countries get channels that are already available in Southern Africa: SuperSport Blitz, SuperSport KickOff, SuperSport Africa and WWE.

From these differences, Southern African viewers appear to have more choice. The version of DStv Starter in the rest of Africa still feels limited, even after years of being seen as a basic or demo package.

Kids

The kids section is different because the packages target different age groups. Like general entertainment, there is no clear winner — it depends on the viewer.

In Southern Africa, the offering includes Cartoon Network and DreamWorks for older children, plus Disney Junior.  

In other countries, Cartoon Network is the main channel for older kids. The rest of the lineup is mostly preschool, with channels such as Moonbug and CBeebies.

This is similar to DStv Compact in the late 2000s and early 2010s, when Cartoon Network carried most of the kids’ programming. Now it looks like other African countries may face the same situation — without DreamWorks or Nicktoons to support Cartoon Network.

Lifestyle and Documentaries

Other African countries appear to get the weaker lineup here. Their channels are Real Time, National Geographic Wild and WildEarth.  

Southern African viewers get TLC, Curiosity Channel, Ignition and The Home Channel.

It is surprising that TLC is not available in other countries, especially when viewers already see many repeats on HGTV and ID. Even with Real Time, people will miss shows such as *90 Day Fiancé*, *Sister Wives*, *Dr. Pimple Popper*, *Say Yes to the Dress* and *My Feet Are Killing Me*.