The South African streaming landscape has reached a massive turning point in 2026. With the official acquisition of MultiChoice by Canal+ and the subsequent sunsetting of the Showmax brand, the way South Africans consume content has shifted from a fragmented market into a more consolidated, globalized experience. Whether you are looking for local soapies, international blockbusters, or live sport, here is the complete guide to every streaming service available in South Africa as of April 2026.
The biggest headline of 2026 is the official closure of Showmax. As of April 30, 2026, the standalone Showmax app has ceased operations. Following the Canal+ takeover, the decision was made to move all Showmax Originals, HBO content, and local exclusives into a unified ecosystem.
For now, most of this library has migrated to DStv Stream, which serves as the temporary home for Showmax’s legacy content. Later this year, a dedicated Canal+ App is expected to launch in South Africa, bringing a massive library of European and African content to local screens under a single global interface.
1. The Global Powerhouses
Netflix South Africa
Netflix remains the most popular choice for variety. In 2026, the service continues to invest heavily in “Netflix Originals” from South Africa, such as Blood & Water and Savage Beauty.
Mobile Plan: R59 per month (Smartphone/Tablet only, 480p).Standard Plan: R175 per month (Full HD, 2 devices).Premium Plan: R215 per month (4K Ultra HD + HDR, 4 devices).
Disney+ South Africa
Disney+ is the non-negotiable choice for families. It remains the exclusive home for Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, and National Geographic.
Disney+ Mobile: R49 per month (1 mobile device).
Disney+ Premium: R159 per month or R1,590 annually (4 devices, 4K UHD).
Amazon Prime Video
Prime Video is widely considered the best value-for-money service in the country. It is often bundled with mobile network contracts for even lower rates.
Standard Rate: R79 per month.
Vodacom Streamy Offer: Many users access a mobile-only version for as little as R29 per month via Vodacom.
Apple TV+
While its library is smaller, Apple TV+ focuses on high-prestige, award-winning dramas. It is also the home of MLS (Major League Soccer) for football fans.
Pricing: R124.99 per month after a 7-day free trial.
2. The Local & Sports Giants
DStv Stream
With Showmax folding into this platform, DStv Stream is now the “super-app” for South African viewers. It is the only place to get comprehensive live coverage of the Springboks, Proteas, and the Premier League.
Premium: R829 per month (Everything including all SuperSport channels and the Showmax library).
Compact Plus: R569 per month (Great for football fans).
Compact: R469 per month (A balance of local content and selected sports).
Access: R135 per month (The most affordable entry point for basic entertainment and news).
Viu South Africa
Viu has captured a massive audience by offering “catch-up” episodes of popular local soaps like Uzalo and Skeem Saam alongside a massive library of Korean and Turkish dramas.
Premium Pass Monthly: R69 per month.
Viu Mobile: R45 per month.
eVOD
The streaming arm of eMedia (e.tv) offers a unique mix of free, ad-supported content and a premium tier for those who want to watch original local movies and “Fast Forward” episodes of their favorite shows.
Premium Tier: Approximately R30 per month.
SABC+
The national broadcaster’s streaming app is a must-have for free-to-air content. It allows you to watch SABC 1, 2, and 3 live, as well as SABC News and various radio stations.
Pricing: Free (Ad-supported).
3. Niche & Specialist Services
Crunchyroll
For fans of anime, Crunchyroll is the gold standard. Following a 2026 price update, it remains affordable for the volume of content it provides.
Fan Tier: R55 per month (1 device).Mega Fan: R65 per month (4 devices + offline viewing).
Acorn TV
While its competitor BritBox South Africa shut down in late 2024, Acorn TV remains operational in 2026, offering a steady stream of British and international mysteries and dramas.
Pricing: R79 per month.
Expert Tips for Streaming in South Africa (2026)… Audit Your Apps: With Showmax gone, many viewers are paying for DStv Stream for sports but forgetting to cancel individual services they no longer use. Check your bank statements for “ghost” subscriptions. Data is Key: Most South African ISPs and mobile networks (MTN, Vodacom, Telkom) now offer dedicated “Streaming Bundles.” Using these instead of general data can save you up to 40% on your monthly connectivity costs.
Bundle Up: Look for bundles through providers like Disney+ through DStv or Prime Video through Vodacom, as these often include significant discounts compared to signing up directly.
Are you planning to migrate to DStv Stream to keep your Showmax favorites, or are you waiting for the official Canal+ app to launch?