Canal+ withdraws DStv Delicious Festival sponsorship amid cost-cutting drive

The festival, held annually at the DStv Delicious International Food and Music Festival at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit, has over the past 13 years grown into a major two-day lifestyle event combining music, food, fashion and retail experiences.

It has previously featured international performers including Janet Jackson, Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean, Babyface, Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, Busta Rhymes and Burna Boy, alongside South African artists such as DJ Zinhle, Oscar Mbo, Sjava and Kwesta.

The event also operates as a large culinary and commercial platform, hosting chefs, restaurants, food entrepreneurs and small businesses, as well as fashion and lifestyle exhibitors. It has been credited by organisers with supporting a wide network of small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in the creative economy.

According to people familiar with the matter, the decision forms part of Canal+’s wider cost-containment strategy following its acquisition of MultiChoice. The group has targeted cost savings of €400 million by 2030 and has already shut down the streaming service Showmax, citing ongoing financial losses.

The company has not publicly confirmed the sponsorship withdrawal. In a statement, Canal+ Africa said it was implementing a long-term plan to stabilise and grow the business.

“Since taking ownership of MultiChoice last year, Canal+ has put in place a strategic plan to ensure a sustainable future for the company, putting it back on a pathway towards growth,” it said.

“This is essential to ensure that consumers are able to continue to enjoy compelling local and international content on leading platforms and that we can continue to support South Africa’s creative industries.”

It added: “We are proud to work with a broad ecosystem of partners, including SMEs and local production houses, which are critical to our business and to the growth of the creative sector across Africa.”

The statement did not directly address questions about the festival or the extent of contract changes linked to cost reductions.

MultiChoice, now operating under Canal+ Africa branding, has also introduced voluntary severance packages for staff in South Africa. Canal+ vice president for Africa corporate communications, Litlhare Moteetee, said the programme was not targeted.

“As this is a voluntary programme, there is no set number of employees expected to participate. There are no demographic targets,” Moteetee said.

“The programme is focused primarily on certain support functions where fewer roles may be required going forward.”

The developments come against the backdrop of conditions set by South Africa’s Competition Commission during approval of the Canal+ – MultiChoice merger, including commitments to protect jobs, local content investment and supplier development, valued at about R26-billion over three years.

The merger parties also agreed to a three-year moratorium on retrenchments.

Industry stakeholders have expressed concern about the broader impact of cost-cutting on cultural and entertainment sponsorships. Thato Mocumi, accounts manager at Total Exposure, the public relations agency linked to the festival, said they had not been formally informed of the withdrawal.

If confirmed, she said it could affect employment linked to the event.

The festival itself has confirmed the end of its long-standing partnership with DStv, thanking the broadcaster for its support while signalling plans to continue independently. In a statement, organisers said the event “remains an independently owned and produced event, built to evolve and built to last”.

Meanwhile, media commentary has suggested that cultural sponsorships may come under pressure following the takeover. Entertainment blog TVwithThinus said sponsorships across arts and cultural events previously supported by MultiChoice brands could be affected by the restructuring.

The future of the festival’s naming rights remains uncertain as organisers seek a new sponsor ahead of the next edition scheduled for September 2026.