Latest news with #MultiChoice
IOL News
a day ago
- Business
- IOL News
MultiChoice expects improved earnings despite tough trading conditions
MultiChoice, South Africa's leading pay-TV operator, has warned shareholders of a significant shift in its financial performance for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025, driven by challenging macro-economic conditions and structural changes in the video entertainment industry across sub-Saharan Africa. MultiChoice, South Africa's leading pay-TV operator, has warned shareholders of a significant shift in its financial performance for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025, driven by challenging macro-economic conditions and structural changes in the video entertainment industry across sub-Saharan Africa. It said, "The current period has seen the continuation of unprecedented financial disruption for economies, corporates and consumers across sub-Saharan Africa due to several macro-economic factors, including weaker average exchange rates, elevated inflation and interest rates, and power supply challenges. "Combined with the impact of structural industry changes in video entertainment, such as the rise of piracy, streaming services and social media, as well as the cost of investing in Showmax, this has materially affected the performance of the MultiChoice Group. The group has acted decisively to counter these headwinds by, focusing on key areas within its control such as maintaining inflationary pricing discipline, growing new revenue streams and driving further efficiencies to manage costs and cash flows," the group said. In a trading statement released on Thursday, MultiChoice projected a recovery in earnings per share (EPS), forecasting an increase of 128% to 132% compared to a loss of 935 cents per share in the prior year This translates to an expected EPS range of R12.62 - R12.94 per share. The group said it expects to report positive earnings per share due to the recognition of a profit on the sale of a 60% shareholding in NMS Insurance Services (NMSIS) to Sanlam Life Insurance Limited in November 2024, and a downward adjustment to the Showmax put option liability. Similarly, the group expects the headline loss per share (which excludes the profit on the sale of NMSIS) to narrow year-on-year. Headline earnings per share are expected to rise between 62% to 66%, in a range of between R4.43 - R4.72 per share, compared to a loss of 715c per share the prior year. Trading profit (reported) from R7.9 billion is likely to fall between 47% to 51%. MultiChoice said, "The ongoing investment in the Showmax streaming business, which remains at an early stage of development and has yet to scale into its cost base, is expected to result in the group reporting a lower trading profit. On an organic basis (excluding the effects of foreign currency and group composition changes), the decline in trading profit is expected to be much smaller." Trading profit (reported) was expected to fall by between 47% to 51% from R7.9 billion. BUSINESS REPORT
News24
a day ago
- Business
- News24
Genesis cast members let the media and fans into their set world
Supplied Genesis is produced by Singavision Productions, and it airs on Mzansi Magic (DStv channel 161). Cast members of the show include veteran actors such as Buyile Mdladla, Baby Cele, KB Motsilanyane and Sibongile Nojila. MultiChoice recently invited the media and some fans to the show's set. It is always interesting to see what goes on behind the scenes during the making of our favourite television shows. Recently, we visited the world of the Gigabas, and the Sedibengs on their Genesis set in Gauteng. The telenovela that took over from My Brother's Keeper from April is all about the world of gospel music. It follows Felicia Thabethe (played by Baby Cele) who built an empire, Genesis Records, with her late husband Muzi Thabethe. She later married Gabriel Gigaba (played by Buyile Mdladla) who joined the family business. The couple is faced with secrets and betrayals, including Gabriel's hidden child with the record label's superstar, Mmarona (played by Gaosi Raditholo). The truth only came out after the child's death while Felicia's son, Bonko (portrayed by Nay Maps Maphalala) was in preparation to marry Mmarona. Gabriel also has an affair with one of the record label's board members. Through all the betrayal, Felicia tries to keep the secrets to protect the family empire, while Gabriel tries to push her out of the business. Within all the mess, Wendy Sedibeng (Keabetswe Motsilanyane) tries by all means to ensure that her daughter, Mmarona, marries into the Gigaba family so that she would be her ticket out of poverty. The media and ten DStv Rewards winners had an early call time as we joined the cast and crew of the show. We were taken on a tour of the gigantic house that is used for the Gigabas, and just a few metres away from it was the house used for the Sedibengs. Speaking to City Press during the tour, former 7de Laan actress Motsilanyane said she had not thought she would be able to pull off the toxic mother character; she was grateful to the producers and other crew members for the support. She said that, when she saw the make-up, wigs and clothes Wendy would wear, she fell in love with her. @citypressza The Mzansi Magic and DStv Rewards teams invited us to witness the hard work that goes into the making of Genesis 😁 We caught all the behind the scenes action, and loved every minute of being on set with the cast and crew. Watch the full video on our YouTube channel: City Press #genesismzansi #mzansimagic #dstvrewards #genesismzansimagic ♬ EL NOPAL - Goliath Flores 'I feel like I've been lucky, because if they had allowed me to chicken out of it, I would have,' she said. The songstress said, deep into the character, she found her fun, but sometimes she would cry on her way home because of the character's stunts. The reception from viewers had been humbling, because Wendy was relatable. Wendy has two daughters, but she cannot stand the eldest because she was unemployed. The number one rule about any character you play is that you have to be an advocate for them. Even though, as a person, you don't share the same principles, once you get into character, you have to agree with this person 100%. I allow myself to just get into that space. It takes a lot of preparation and work. KB Motsilanyane It was interesting to see the results of the thoughts and hard work the wardrobe and make-up departments put into bringing each character to life. We were taken through mood boards for each character and how the colours of the clothes must represent the status and emotions the person is going through in a particular episode. Seeing one scene being done over and over again to get the perfect one made us understand why our actors are fighting tooth and bail for the Performers' Protection Amendment Bill as well as the Copyright Amendment Bill. They really have to get those royalities, because the dedication and passion are a beauty to witness. Maphalala said moving from Umkhokha: The Curse and having to strip down Mkhululi to make way for Bonko had not been too hard because he could relate to both the characters, and it was exciting for him. The only difference was the types of churches. Supplied Supplied One of the executive producers of the show, Sinini Nyathi-Mati, who worked with veteran producer Duma Ndlovu on almost all his shows, said now that she was wearing the boss hat, she understood why Duma would often say he had hardly slept. Nyathi-Mati has served other executive producers for 20 years in the industry. She said, although one could never be fully ready for the position, it was nice to experience it. She told City Press that she had learnt to pay her dues. 'We started developing Genesis a year ago because the development was intense. We had to go all out with the research and speak to gospel artists, fallen heroes of the gospel industry and successful people. That we are now here as executive producers is a humbling experience. We are improving the story every day, so we hope people will love the show,' she said. Kagiso Mogale, who met Nyathi-Mati on Stained Glass TV's eHostela, also wrote some of Ndlovu's shows, including Umkhokha: The Curse and My Brother's Keeper, is now the executive producer and head writer of Genesis. Some of the show's cast members include Kealeboga Masango, Sibongile Nojila, Josias Moleele, Kaabo-Ya-One Mokhine and Craig Nobela, to name but a few. Produced by Singavision Productions, Genesis airs on Monday to Friday on Mzansi Magic (DStv channel 161) at 7.30pm.
Zawya
30-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
MultiChoice Launches Anti-Piracy Initiative in Malawi with Successful Training and Enforcement Action
MultiChoice ( in collaboration with the Copyright Society of Malawi (COSOMA), is proud to announce the successful completion of its first anti-piracy training and enforcement operation in Malawi—marking the beginning of a long-term initiative to combat piracy and protect the creative economy. On 20 May 2025, MultiChoice, COSOMA, and the Malawi Police Service hosted an intensive anti-piracy training session in Lilongwe. The four-day initiative was attended by 21 participants, including officers from the Malawi Police Service, prosecutors, and representatives from the Ministry of Justice. The training covered key topics such as the types of piracy, enforcement techniques, legal frameworks, and the growing threat of internet streaming piracy. This capacity-building initiative bore immediate fruit. On 21 May 2025, a successful enforcement operation was carried out in Lilongwe. Acting on intelligence and strategies discussed during the training, the Malawi Police Service, with support from COSOMA, raided an illegal internet streaming operation. Two suspects were arrested, and several hundred pieces of pirate streaming equipment were seized. The Dangers of Streaming Piracy Streaming piracy is not a victimless crime. It significantly undermines the creative industry by diverting revenue from content producers, broadcasters, and legitimate service providers. These illegal operations lead to substantial losses in tax revenue for governments, impeding national development and funding for public services. Consumers who engage with pirate streaming services are also exposed to numerous risks. These platforms often distribute malware, spyware, and other harmful software, potentially compromising users' personal data, financial information, and digital security. Moreover, there are no guarantees around the quality, reliability, or safety of content accessed through illegal platforms. Rachael Kabango, Assistant Licensing Officer from the Copyright Society of Malawi (COSOMA), added: 'According to the Copyright Act Section 113 subsection 4(B) any person who has in his possession any machinery or other devices with the intention of using such devices to produce infringing copies commits an offense and shall be liable to a fine of MWK 10,000,000 and imprisonment for four years, in the case of a continuing offense, to a further fine of MWK 50,000 for each day during which the offence continues.' Frikkie Jonker, MultiChoice Group Africa Anti-Piracy Director, stated: 'This raid is a testament to what can be achieved through strong partnerships and dedicated training. We are proud of the collaboration with the Malawi Police Service and COSOMA and commend them for their swift action and commitment to enforcement. This is the first of many efforts to come in Malawi, and we look forward to supporting more initiatives that strengthen content protection and uphold the rule of law.' The success of this initiative underscores the need for continued collaboration in tackling piracy at its roots. MultiChoice remains committed to working alongside local authorities and stakeholders to protect the rights of content creators and ensure a safe, legal, and vibrant entertainment ecosystem in Malawi and across Africa. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of MultiChoice Group. For media inquiries, please contact: Selina Nyirenda Email: Corporate Affairs Department About MultiChoice Group: MultiChoice Group is Africa's leading entertainment company, delivering premium content to over 20 million households across 50 countries. As part of its mission to support and grow the continent's creative industries, MultiChoice leads anti-piracy efforts through education, legal enforcement, and industry partnerships.
IOL News
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Remembering Presley Chweneyagae: Tributes from Terry Pheto and Tshedza Pictures
South Africa Mourns 'Tsotsi' Star Presley Chweneyagae: Tributes Pour In for the Late Actor at 40 The talented actor became a household name for his work in the critically acclaimed film "Tsotsi," which won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film in 2006, as well as in "Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom". Heartfelt condolences have poured in following the death of South African actor Presley Chweneyagae . Chweneyagae's 'Tsotsi' co-star Terry Pheto who has not posted on her Instagram feed since 2022, paid tribute to the actor in a post. 'I'm shocked and saddened by the news of Presley's sudden passing. My heart goes out to his family and the rest of our friends and colleagues in the film industry. 'We shared an unforgettable moment when we won the Oscar. It's a moment I will forever cherish. May his soul rest in peace. 💔' His role as Cobra on 'The River' transformed him into a TV icon, a cultural phenomenon. 'Through characters like Cobra on The River, and most recently on Mzansi Magic's Cobrizi, he didn't just entertain, he made us laugh, made us care, and helped us understand the people behind the stories. 'His work brought heart and humanity to every role,' said Nomsa Philiso, CEO of General Entertainment at MultiChoice.
Zawya
27-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
DStv Inducted into Brand Africa Hall of Fame and Named #1 Most Admired African Media Brand 2025
DStv, Africa's leading entertainment platform, has been officially recognised as the #1 Most Admired African Media Brand in the Brand Africa 100 | Africa's Best Brands 2025 rankings. This recognition also sees DStv inducted into the prestigious Brand Africa Hall of Fame, a distinction reserved for iconic African brands that have significantly shaped the continent's global image and competitiveness over the years. The announcement was made at a high-profile ceremony hosted at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) in Addis Ababa, where leaders from across the African media and branding landscape gathered to honour the continent's most impactful brands. Launched in 1995, DStv has evolved from a digital satellite television pioneer into a content powerhouse, transforming the African viewing experience through continuous innovation, investment in local content, and a deep commitment to telling African stories. 'This honour reflects the incredible journey we've taken with our audiences across Africa. Being named Africa's most admired media brand and joining the Brand Africa Hall of Fame is not just a celebration of where we've come from—it's a reaffirmation of where we're going. Our commitment to local storytelling, cultural authenticity, and innovation remains stronger than ever. We are proud to be a brand that not only entertains but uplifts and connects Africans through stories that matter.' States Calvo Mawela, Group CEO of MultiChoice. Each year, the Brand Africa 100 survey identifies the most admired brands across the continent, based on independent research conducted in over 30 African countries, representing over 85% of Africa's population and GDP, with more than 150,000 brand mentions and 5,930 unique brands. The rankings are compiled through a rigorous process led by research partners including GeoPoll, Kantar, Integrate, and Analysis, making it the only pan-African, research-led and non-commercial brand equity study of its kind. DStv's induction into the Hall of Fame further cements its position not just as a media brand, but as a cultural force that continues to shape narratives and inspire pride across Africa. Through its investments in local productions, partnerships with African creators, and focus on quality storytelling, DStv remains at the forefront of Africa's growing creative economy. DStv was also honoured with the same top recognition in 2024, reinforcing its consistent excellence and enduring connection with audiences across Africa. Since its launch 30 years ago with just 16 channels, DStv has evolved into a dynamic content powerhouse, offering a rich mix of local productions, global entertainment, and integrated streaming options. Today, it serves millions of households across the continent, delivering hundreds of channels and platforms that reflect the diversity, creativity, and aspirations of African viewers. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of MultiChoice Group.
