• The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has surprised viewers by withdrawing popular soap operas, including Muvhango, 7de Laan, and Generations: The Legacy, from MultiChoice's DStv Stream Catch-Up platform
• SABC's move aims to maintain exclusivity and promote their SABC+ platform, which now offers soapies like Uzalo in higher quality
• The decision to remove content from DStv Catch-Up stems from SABC's negotiations with Multichoice regarding broadcasting rights for the 2023 Rugby World Cup

The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has withdrawn all its beloved soap operas from MultiChoice's DStv Stream Catch-Up platform.

SABC pulls top soapies from DSTV Catch-Up

This move by SABC has raised eyebrows and concerns among viewers who have come to rely on the platform for convenient access to their favourite soapie episodes.

According to The South African, DSTV Catch-Up viewers received an alarming important notice that stated that soapies like Muvhango, 7de Laan and Generations: The Legacy will be removed from the site. The message read:

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“Important notice. At the request of the SABC, this programme will be removed from DStv Catch Up from 18 September.”

The publication further stated that it's evident that the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is on a deliberate mission to maintain the exclusivity of their soap operas, and to be frank, they are thriving on their SABC+ platform.

Moreover, viewers are delighted to discover that shows like Uzalo are now available in better quality on SABC+. This shift to SABC+ promises a more enriched viewing experience for fans who appreciate both the historical context and enhanced visual quality of their beloved soapies.

What caused the SABC's decision to remove their content from DSTV

There are reports that the national broadcaster's decision to remove the top soapies from the DSTV Catch-Up platform started after their intense negotiations with Multichoice to secure the 2023 Rugby World Cup broadcasting rights.

Speaking exclusively to Briefly News, SABC publicist Caroline Phalakatshela said the DSTV was requested to remove the soapies because they did not have an agreement with SABC. She also noted that all the shows are now available on SABC+.

"The SABC has requested the DStv streaming platform to remove the SABC content on the platform as Catch Up or On Demand Assets because DStv does not have an agreement for the carriage of this content.

"All of the SABC local soaps are available on SABC+ after all linear broadcasts and on the platforms that have licensed the rights to carry the content on their Catch Up and On Demand Services."

Wiseman Mncube and Nkanyiso Mchunu exit Uzalo as Vuyo Dabula and Nonhle Jali join popular show

In more entertainment news, Briefly News also reported that local drama series Uzalo is switching things up a notch with new additions to the star-studded cast. The show recently announced the exit of Wiseman Mncube, who played Sbonelo and Nkanyiso Mchunu, who portrayed Wizard. But there are also some exciting additions that viewers can look forward to.

Uzalo has announced that there will be a cast reshuffle after the announcement that the Durban-based television show will be renewed for another season. According to a statement shared with Briefly News, popular stars Wiseman Mncube and Nkanyiso Mchunu are bowing out from the telenovela.