Enriching Lives

Contributing to local economies

At MultiChoice, we believe in the power of partnerships, working closely with all stakeholders and partners to drive the growth and development of the continent. We are managed and run by local talent, providing direct employment and creating opportunities for enterprise development through our network of retailers, installers, dealers and agents. Wherever we operate, we contribute to the economy through tax revenues and make significant investments in broadcasting technology and the growth of the local sports and creative industries.

Sharing the Knowledge

Igniting Africa’s creative industries is a key focus in our efforts to make a tangible, sustainable difference in the lives of our communities. The MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) is a flagship creating shared initiave that we launched in 2018. The initiative provides a platform for the creative industries to develop their talent and engage with one another through their shared passions. MTF has a multi-tiered approach, namely; the MTF Portal, the MTF Academies and MTF Industry Masterclasses. Through free industry masterclasses available on the MTF Portal, over 30 000 registered users are learning on the go! To be part of the online masterclasses, creatives need to create a profile on the Portal to access masterclass content. MTF took home a ‘Campaign Bronze Loerie ’ in the Creating Shared Value (CSV) category at 41st Annual Loerie Awards in August 2019. The CSV category rewards brands that do good while doing good business.

Fostering local content

We collaborate with talented filmmakers and producers to tell authentic African stories. Original productions made in Africa are available across a wide range of channels including the popular Africa Magic channels, which are accessible to more than 49 countries on the continent through DStv and GOtv. Our investment in African stories and programmes has reinvigorated film and television industries across the continent, resulting in a proliferation of exceptional original local productions and the discovery of talent in front of the camera and behind the scenes.

Keeping the Life in Wild Life

The illegal selling of animal parts is the fourth biggest illicit industry worldwide behind drugs, counterfeit goods and human trafficking. These wildlife crimes not only decimate animal populations but also have a negative effect on the entire ecosystem, impacting local economies that rely on these ecosystems for tourism.
Cybersecurity experts, Irdeto, have teamed up with the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) in an effort to track wildlife crime online and thereby disrupt the illegal animal trade economy. The partnership will also work with local law enforcement; providing key forensic data to help locate these reprehensible criminals. Irdeto and AWF: using technology for good to safeguard our African heritage.

PSL Player Transition Programme

The launch of the Player Transition programme has been a significant first step towards assisting professional football players after they hang their boots. Unlike other careers, retirement from football normally occurs relatively early in life, and represents a challenging part of football players’ careers as they enter a new period of their life. 

By equipping and empowering current PSL players aged between 28 and 35 with the necessary knowledge and skills to transition into a role in sport after they have retired the PSL Player Transition Programme is a key lever in ensuring that our footballers remain in the sports fraternity long after they retire.

Partners Against Piracy

Piracy robs content creators, artists, and entire creative communities of their royalties and is also a violation of copyright and intellectual property rights. Piracy is a threat that cripples the entrainment industry and the economy at large. 

To educate consumers across the board on the devastating impact of content piracy, MultiChoice has partnered with the Copy Coalition of South Africa and various other private and public stakeholders to launch Partners Against Piracy (PAP). 

PAP was officially launched in Kenya in 2018, and it is a multi-stakeholder awareness programme to help fight the piracy menace, by educating the public on the unintended consequences of piracy and the threat it poses to livelihoods, and to society. The initiative looks to ensure Africa’s creatives earn a living from their talent, freeing them to continue creating relevant, entertaining content that reflects the culture and interests of the continent.

Platform 4 Good

MultiChoice is using its platform for good in several ways. The company has partnered with non-profit organisations' to provide free airtime to raise awareness about important issues, such as the Uyinene Foundation, KZN floods, and many others. MultiChoice has also provided disaster relief funds to help those affected by natural disasters. In addition, the company encourages its employees to get involved in social causes by volunteering their time and skills. 

MultiChoice's commitment to using its platform for good is an example of how businesses can make a positive impact on the world. By partnering with non-profit organisations, social initiatives, and encouraging employee volunteerism, MultiChoice is helping to make a difference in the lives of people around the world.

Phuthuma Nathi

In 2006, Phuthuma Nathi was created to give black South Africans the chance to own an indirect stake in MultiChoice South Africa, a leading video entertainment company in the country. The initial public offer in 2006 and the second public offer in 2007 were both oversubscribed, demonstrating the overwhelming demand for this opportunity. 

Today, Phuthuma Nathi is one of South Africa's most successful broad-based black economic empowerment (BBBEE) share schemes, with more than 80,000 black shareholders from all walks of life. Our shareholders include professionals, helpers, gardeners, teachers, nurses, stokvels, and black-owned small businesses. 

Phuthuma Nathi owns 25% of MultiChoice South Africa and has created significant value for our shareholders. Since our scheme started in 2006, our shareholders have received dividends every year.