Tag Archives: MultiChoice Malawi

Business, Malawi

MultiChoice Malawi insensitively raises subscription fees again: Customers to feel the pinch

Burnett Munthali

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Customers of MultiChoice Malawi will have to brace themselves for higher subscription costs if they wish to continue enjoying their favorite television content.

The company has announced yet another price increase for all GOtv and DStv packages, a move that is likely to put additional financial pressure on consumers.

In a notice issued to its subscribers across the country, MultiChoice Malawi has confirmed that the new prices will take effect from April 1, 2025.

The GOtv Supa+ package, which previously cost K49,500, will now be priced at K59,500, reflecting a significant jump.

Similarly, the GOtv Supa package has increased from K35,500 to K42,500, while the most affordable option, GOtv Lite, will now cost K5,500, up from K4,500.

On the DStv platform, subscribers will also experience steep price adjustments across all packages.

The DStv Premium package, previously pegged at K115,000, has been raised to K138,000, making it one of the most expensive entertainment services in the country.

The DStv Compact Plus package has not been spared either, as its price has been revised from K76,000 to K90,000.

Even the most affordable DStv package, DStv Kufewa, has seen an increase, now costing K13,800, up from K11,500.

These price hikes come less than a year after the company last increased its subscription fees in August 2024, a trend that has raised concerns among consumers.

With the cost of living already soaring in Malawi, the latest adjustments may force some customers to reconsider their entertainment choices.

As MultiChoice Malawi justifies the price increases as necessary for maintaining service quality, many subscribers will now be left grappling with the tough decision of whether to continue their subscriptions or seek alternative options.

Business, Entertainment

MultiChoice Malawi excites customers with “Ndi Kwathu” campaign

MaraviPost

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-MultiChoice Malawi has launched a campaign dubbed as “Ndi Kwathu” aimed at highlighting the business’ deep-rooted commitment to enriching lives in Malawi and cultivating a shared sense of responsibility among the citizens.

The campaign is expected to run until September 12, 2025.

Speaking in an interview on Friday, September 13, 2025 during the launch in Blantyre, MultiChoice Malawi Managing Director, Averess Ndhlovu-Chella that the campaign is the company ’s commitment to enriching lives in Malawi.

“As a Malawian-owned company committed to enriching lives of our fellow citzens, through entertainment, skills development and partnerships that lead to social economic developmemt, we have launched this campaign aimed at fostering positive change in Malawi.

“Because Malawi Ndi Kwathu, our goal at MultiChoice is to enrich lives by facilitating a platform for content that Malawians love, accessible through the innovative DStv and GOtv platforms. Whether it’s through exciting Pan-African dramas or international hits, MultiChoice is dedicated to delivering an entertainment experience that’s genuinely made for you. With many thrilling developments on the horizon, DStv and GOtv will continue to be your top choice for exceptional entertainment,” she said.

Chella added that Malawi is facing various challenges that require collective efforts in working for a common goal and make Malawi a better place for everyone.

“Recognizing the challenges we have faced, we believe that collaboration is key to creating a brighter future. By uniting as a community and spreading a message of unity and hope, and reminding citizens that Malawi ndi Kwathu, we can build a Malawi that we are all proud to call home,”she added.

However, she added that the campaign seeks to cultivate a positive mindset that empowers Malawians to believe in the potential of their country and its people.

Ndhlovu-Chella says, “By fostering optimism and supporting locally-owned businesses and products.

“We aim to stimulate economic growth and create a thriving community where anything is possible”.

Business, Malawi

Arrogant Multichoice Africa owes MACRA MK19 million unpaid licence fees

Maravi Post Reporter

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Barely, days after arrogant Multichoice Africa announced cutting services to Malawi over a contested DStv tariff hike, it has been established that the latter owes Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) MK19 million in unpaid licence fees.

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Barely, days after arrogant Multichoice Africa announced cutting services to Malawi over a contested DStv tariff hike, it has been established that the latter owes Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) MK19 million in unpaid licence fees.

MACRA has therefore demanded Multichoice Malawi to pay the fees before the complete closure of its services while asking the company to provide an exact date when it will shut down DStv services in Malawi.

This is contained in a letter dated August 10, 2023, which MACRA has written MultiChoice Malawi.

MACRA executive director Daud Suleman says MultiChoice should fulfill its licence obligations before completing DStv withdrawal.

According to Suleman, the South African company owes MACRA K19 million which should be paid to the regulatory authority in 30 days.

Suleman also wants MultiChoice to put in place measures that will assist customers who would have paid subscription fees beyond the shutdown date as well as to provide compensation to consumers for proprietary DStv equipment that will become obsolete after the shutdown.

He has also advised MultiChoice to ensure that DStv signals are not using Malawi spectrum after the shutdown day.

“You are further advised that once the voluntary revocation is completed, any broadcasting without an applicable license issued by the Authority is an offence under Section 187 of the Communications Act and that the Authority will not hesitate to take appropriate action against you in line with the Act,” reads part.

MultiChoice Africa Holdings withdrew DStv services in Malawi last week after MACRA blocked new DStv tariffs.

MACRA obtained an injunction against the decision to increase the tariffs.

Minister of Information Moses Kunkuyu said this week that government will intervene so that MultiChoice continues providing DStv services in Malawi.

Multichoice Malawi is yet to respond to MACRA’s request.

Business, Malawi, Regional

Arrogant Multichoice Africa withdraws services from Malawi over contested DStv tariff hike

Maravi Post Reporter

PRETORIA-(MaraviPost)-Embattled Multichoice Africa Holdings (MAH) has with immediate effect, withdrawn its services in Malawi following an injunction Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (Macra) obtained against Multichoice Malawi.

The injunction prohibited Multichoice Malawi from adjusting its subscription packages.

According to a statement from Multichoice Africa Holdings, customers have been requested to stop any payments for Dstv services while those that have already paid will have the particular services until the 30-day viewing cycle.

Reads the statement: “Multichoice Malawi does not offer the Dstv service to the public and, therefore, cannot set or adjust tariffs for this service, a point repeatedly made to Macra.

“As a result, the order handed down to Multichoice Malawi is incapable of being implemented by them but carries with it grave consequences for the directors and management of Multichoice Malawi, including imprisonment.”

The development has attracted mixed reactions with desperation among DStv customers what are they going to do with local decoders.

In January this year, Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) fined MultiChoice Malawi K10 million and ordered the company to refund subscribers from July 2022 to the of refund for implementing a price hike without the regulatory body’s approval.

The matter is still in court.

Law and order, Malawi

Multichoice Malawi dares MACRA on penalties

Maravi Post Reporter
Multichoice dares MACRA

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-MultiChoice

Malawi has dared Malawi Communication Regulatory Authority (MACRA)’s penalty of MK10 million over adjustment of services prices without authority’s consent.

MACRA therefore ordered Multichoice to pay the fine contrary to its mandate.

The move has not gone well with Multichoice arguuing that local company does not make prices adjustment to its customers.

In response to authority, Multichoice says is not amused with penalties Malawi MACRA has meted out on it and is now seeking legal advise.

MACRA is punishing the company for allegedly adjusting Digital Satellite Television (DStv) tariffs without its approval.

In his letter, dated December 27, 2022, MACRA Director General, Daud Suleman asked Multichoice Malawi to credit its customers back the money it charged on adjusted bouquet.

But Corporate Affairs Manager for Multichoice Malawi, Zena Makunje argues MACRA is attempting to impose conditions which the law does not subscribe.

“The DStv service, which MACRA is penalizing Multichoice Malawi for, is not offered by Multichoice Malawi. Multichoice Malawi does not set the prices of this service not decide on any price adjustments.

“Multichoice Malawi merely collects the subscriptions for DStv on behalf of Multichoice Africa Holdings,” says Makunje in a statement.

MACRA has not yet responded to the Multichoice Malawi’s statement on the matter.

Entertainment, Lifestyle, Malawi

Malawi gospel musician Patience Namadingo unveiled as new DStv Brand ambassador

Maravi Post Reporter

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-MultiChoice Malawi on Wednesday unveiled the award winning gospel artist Patience Namadingo as their new DStv brand ambassador for a contract period of a year.

Musician Namadingo will be featured in various DStv and MultiChoice Malawi corporate and DStv marketing and communication campaigns in print, radio, television, events etc. He will also be much involved in digital advertising and social media communications.

Addressing the news conference in Blantyre MultiChoice Malawi’s Sales and Marketing Manager, Chimwemwe Nyirenda believes that Namandingo will have a positive impact on our brand through his huge fan base that he commands in Malawi.

Nyirenda added that MultiChoice Malawi will give an artist a full DStv subscription during the duration of the contract, support Namadingo at some of his music shows and related activities and events.

“We believe that DStv and Patience Namadingo is a perfect marriage because we both aspire towards similar entertainment goals and our target audiences are the same.

“DStv appeals to all age groups and the same can be said about Namandingo’ s music. DStv content is family-oriented just like Namadingo’s music,” said Nyirenda.

As part of his obligations, the musician is expected to carry the DStv brand through his band (band members should wear T-shirts with DStv messages, attire with DStv colours), talk about DStv during his shows, perform at DStv events among other things.

Namadingo therefore expressed gratitude for the appointment saying it will be an opportunity for growth as musician.

“DStv is a big and leading brand in Malawi’s video entertainment industry. I cannot think of any other perfect match of a brand to work with in as far as my line of growth and development as an artist is concerned.

‘I believe my association with DStv will open new opportunities for growth both at professional and personal level,” he said.

Patience Namadingo is a Malawian award-winning musician and founder of the PNF (Patience Namadingo Foundation) that was launched in the year 2016.

Patience has three albums and one E.P to his name. Goshen released in 2007, Tili Ndi Yesu in 2010, Lero in 2015 and All New NAMADINGO (E.P) in 2017. Patience has won 3 awards: Best Male Voice Award (Malawi Music Awards 2012, Honorary Award by Product magazine 2016 for best innovative Malawian artist 2016 and Best innovative artist of the year (Malawi Gospel Music Awards 2017)

Patience launched his charity cancer campaign for the children’s cancer ward at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre Malawi, and he raised a total of K15 Million.

Patience has toured Europe and United States of America.

While MultiChoice Africa is a powerful entertainment house that tells stories that open the public minds, bring them together around shared passions, and connect them to new realities.