Less money, fewer repeats, more football and a fresh menu of entertainment. DStv’s Botswana shake-up promises to give subscribers more control over what they watch and what they pay for.
GOSEGO MOTSUMI
For years, paying for television has come with a familiar gripe: why pay more when the repeats keep rolling? DStv Botswana appears ready to tackle that frustration with a major shake-up promising lower prices, fresh channels and packages that let viewers choose their own entertainment battles.
Unveiled under the Expect More campaign in Gaborone, the overhaul takes effect on 5 November, introducing five new packages and price cuts across the board.
THE PRICE IS RIGHT?
MultiChoice Botswana CEO Stephanie Pillay says the changes reflect what subscribers have been asking for, including more choice and better value.
“We do not want our products to be grudge purchases,” she said, acknowledging the need to make customers feel they are getting their money’s worth.
The Starter package drops from P140 to P120, while Family falls from P295 to P280. The premium package, DStv Premium, moves from P860 to P800.
There is also a promise of 40% fewer repeats, a pledge that could be music to the ears of viewers tired of watching the same programmes come around again.
FOOTBALL GETS ITS OWN LANE
The headline-grabber for sports fans is a dedicated sports package priced at P400, bringing competitions including the UEFA Champions League, Premier League, PSL and La Liga into one offering.
For movie buffs, the new Movies and Series package costs P420, with M-Net moving down into the offering. Meanwhile, SuperSport Kickoff will bring a live Premier League match of the week to the Access package.
The strategy is clear: viewers should not have to pay for an entire entertainment universe just to watch the things they love.
BOTSWANA, ON SCREEN
Beyond the price cuts, Pillay says the broadcaster remains invested in local storytelling. She confirmed that Mzansi Magic has commissioned three additional locally produced films scheduled to air later this year.
“We pride ourselves with being Africa’s storyteller, we pride ourselves in being Botswana’s storyteller,” she said.
The real test begins when the new packages land. Lower prices make a compelling pitch, but the promise of more value will ultimately depend on what audiences find when they switch on.