EFF Slams Showmax Shutdown, Warns Move Could Hurt SA Storytelling Industry

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has publicly condemned the reported decision to discontinue Showmax, accusing its parent companies of abandoning a platform that helped elevate African stories and local creative talent.

In a strongly worded statement, the party criticised media giant MultiChoice and its new French controlling shareholder Canal+, saying the move could weaken an important outlet for African productions.

Showmax Built a Powerful Library of African Content

According to the EFF, Showmax played a major role in giving African creators a space to tell authentic stories.

The party said the platform had built an impressive catalogue that showcased diverse African experiences across multiple genres.

In its statement, the EFF said the service had supported “a multitude of black productions” spanning:

• Telenovelas
• Soap operas
• True-crime documentaries
• Reality television with uniquely local perspectives

For many producers and filmmakers, the streaming service became a key platform to reach audiences both locally and internationally.

EFF Warns Showmax Closure Could Harm Local Film Industry

The EFF also rejected the financial reasoning reportedly given for the decision.

According to the party, if Canal+ was truly committed to strengthening South Africa’s broadcasting sector, it should have used its global experience to help stabilise the platform instead of shutting it down.

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Showmax was originally launched by MultiChoice as a digital alternative to traditional pay television. Over the years it became widely recognised for its growing library of locally produced series and films, alongside international content.

The party warned that the closure could ripple across the broader entertainment industry.

Independent producers, emerging filmmakers and black creatives — many of whom relied on the streaming platform as a distribution channel — could be among those most affected.

At the time of the statement, MultiChoice and Canal+ had not publicly responded to the criticism from the EFF.