Latest news with #R949
The South African
20 hours ago
- Business
- The South African
Long time coming? DStv considering sports-only packages
While millions of South Africans continue to ditch their DStv subscriptions, Multichoice has finally acknowledged a call for it to introduce tailor-made packages, particularly sports-only ones, featuring the SuperSport group of channels. The pay-TV company has recorded a monumental revenue loss over recent years. According to social media users, this follows the company's tone-deaf approach to affordability, diversity, and demands. Following shocking news that DStv had lost 3 million subscribers in 2 years, its parent company, Multichoice, conceded that it would consider consumer demands. For many South Africans, this means picking your own packages, tailor-made to your interests. Sports-only packages featured high up on the list. MultiChoice has reported a decline in its subscriber base for the financial year ending 31 March 2025, losing nearly 1.2 million subscribers. Image: MultiChoice Multichoice Group CEO Calvo Mawela stated that the company would investigate whether unbundling SuperSport from DStv and launching a sports-only package would be a feasible option for its business model. He said this week: 'We've accelerated that project in terms of getting us to finalise which direction we're going to take in this financial year. But yes, we are considering all options as part of a broader product offering going forward'. The investigation will conclude at the end of the current financial year-end in March 2026. Currently, the SuperSport group of channels is offered on DStv's Premium package – it's most expensive – which currently costs R949. For many sports enthusiasts, 'off season' means pausing their subscriptions or cancelling them altogether. In multiple financial reports, Multichoice has acknowledged that the rising cost of living meant that 'households are struggling to make ends meet and many had no choice but to give up their DStv subscription for the time being.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
03-06-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Look north for affordable Cape Town property under R1m
While much is made of the high property prices in Cape Town, there are in fact still many areas where you can purchase below R1m. Properties below R1.21m are also exempt from transfer duty, thus providing a considerable saving, especially for first home buyers, according to the Seeff Property Group. The northern suburbs of Cape Town is a great area to look for affordability, says Susan McCarthy, manager for Seeff Brackenfell. These neighbourhoods offer good access to transport networks, schools, and general amenities. This combines with the affordability factor, making it easier for first time buyers to get onto the property ladder, securing their own home, and building wealth. If at a later stage they need to move on to a bigger property, it always leaves the option to retain the property as an investment, given the high demand for rentals, or they could sell it at a profit to use as a deposit for their next property purchase. She says neighbourhoods such as Kraaifontein and Kuils River are a good choice for good value as you can find sectional title property in the R700,000 to R1.2m price range. In Eerste River for example, the new Chardonnay Court offers two bedroomed units with modern finishes, a solar geyser, private outdoor braai area, and a parking bay for just R949,900. It is also a neighbourhood with good amenities and access to major routes with transport such as buses, taxis, and a train station on hand. There are schools, shopping centres, medical care, places of worship, a police station, sport grounds and more. The area is popular with first-time buyers. Lightstone data shows that 37% of recent buyers are under 35-years, and a further 44% between 36-49 years. Property values increased by around 70% over the last ten years, with a significant growth spurt during the high-demand Covid boom period, thus making these a good investment. She says they are also great for rental investments. Overall, first home buyers make up a considerable portion of total home sales across the country. According to mortgage originator, ooba, there has been a slight uptick in first-time buying in the first quarter, accounting for some 46.5% of home loan applications. The survey also shows that favourable mortgage lending conditions continue to support first-time buyers, and most banks still offer full bonds to qualifying buyers, depending on the property. Young buyers are not only purchasing for their own use, but there is a growing appetite to invest in property for the rental market. Ooba for example also reported a significant rise in investment property applications from younger buyers, rising from around 3% in 2019 to 9% last year. Issued by Gina Meintjes
