{"id":24530,"date":"2026-03-06T09:40:26","date_gmt":"2026-03-06T07:40:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wedodis.co.za\/news\/?p=24530"},"modified":"2026-03-06T09:40:30","modified_gmt":"2026-03-06T07:40:30","slug":"eff-takes-a-stand-as-showmax-shuts-down-in-south-africa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wedodis.co.za\/news\/eff-takes-a-stand-as-showmax-shuts-down-in-south-africa\/","title":{"rendered":"EFF Takes a Stand as Showmax Shuts Down in South Africa"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF)<\/strong> has taken a stand against the decision to end the operations of the streaming service Showmax<\/strong>, claiming that the parent companies are neglecting a platform that played a significant role in fostering South African and African narratives.<\/p>\n

In a public statement, the party expressed that the action taken by MultiChoice<\/strong> and its new French parent company Canal+<\/strong> jeopardizes an important channel for both local productions and creative talent.<\/p>\n

Strong catalogue of content<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The EFF asserted that Showmax had established a robust library of content that elevated African voices and stories.<\/p>\n

\u201cA multitude of black productions have been pursued and platformed by Showmax, which reflect a variety of content ranging from telenovelas and soap operas to true-crime documentaries and a uniquely humane approach to reality television,\u201d the party stated.<\/p>\n

The party dismissed Canal+\u2019s rationale that ending the service was necessary for financial discipline.<\/p>\n

As per the EFF, a true dedication to advancing South Africa\u2019s broadcasting and streaming landscape would have seen Canal+ leveraging its knowledge to rehabilitate the platform’s finances instead of opting for its closure.<\/p>\n

Locally produced series and films<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Initially launched by MultiChoice as a streaming alternative to conventional pay-TV, Showmax gained recognition for its offerings of locally produced series and films, complemented by international content.<\/p>\n

The EFF cautioned<\/a> that the shutdown could result in broader repercussions for the local film and television industry, especially impacting black creatives and independent producers who depended on the platform for distribution.<\/p>\n

So far, MultiChoice and Canal+ have not publicly addressed the party\u2019s criticisms.<\/p>\n

\"EFF<\/figure>\n
\"EFF<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n