Since the advent of broadband in South Africa — particularly the rise of affordable, uncapped fibre packages — streaming has revolutionised entertainment. Gone are the days of slow ADSL or patchy iBurst connections; now, high-definition viewing is available at the click of a button. Yet, alongside increased access to local dramas, international sport, and blockbuster films, we’ve seen a surge in unlawful streaming methods — including pirate apps, illegal websites, modified media boxes with infringing plug-ins, unauthorised IPTV playlists, and VPN-enabled access to foreign services. Many users turn to pirate streaming services because they cannot afford official platforms and, in doing so, often mistakenly assume these services are legitimate — especially when they are well packaged, offer smooth interfaces, or are promoted by friends and online groups. Others are fully aware that what they are doing is unlawful, but choose to ignore the risks — until they face consequences, by which time it’s often too late.
The Cybercrimes Act (No. 19 of 2020)
South African law is unequivocal: streaming copyrighted content without proper licensing is unlawful. The Cybercrimes Act (No. 19 of 2020) criminalises the access, sharing, or facilitation of unauthorised content. Chapter 2 Section 3 specifically addresses “unlawful access”. One might be tempted to think this relates only to “computer stuff”, but most legal experts agree that it includes unlawful streaming. Besides, the underlying technology used in streaming is “computer stuff”. Offences under these laws carry fines or up to 10 years’ imprisonment.
You can download the Cybercrimes Act here. In addition to the Cybercrimes Act, certain provisions of the older Copyright Act and RICA also apply.
It’s not the box — it’s how it’s configured
TV boxes – such as Xiaomi and other Android boxes, Fire Sticks, and smart TVs – are perfectly legal. The issue arises when they are configured with illicit plug-ins, modified apps, or IPTV playlists that allow access to pirated content. Some even use peer-to-peer (P2P) streaming, meaning users unwittingly engage in redistributing infringing material — an even more serious violation under the Cybercrimes Act.
The problem with IPTV playlists and live TV restreaming
A growing concern involves users obtaining IPTV playlists — often paid, sometimes free — that unlock live TV channels including DSTV Premium, KykNet, SuperSport and other international sports channels. These playlists often rely on stolen login credentials or restreamed content, bypassing licensing agreements via M3U files or custom apps. Even loading a playlist implicates you in accessing copyrighted content unlawfully.
Dangerous ads and safety risks
Pirate apps and websites frequently display explicit or inappropriate ads, malware pop-ups, phishing links, and gambling prompts. With no moderation or child protection controls, these platforms pose real security and safety threats, especially in households with children.
Enforcement: raids, arrests, and user exposure
Piracy enforcement in South Africa is escalating. MultiChoice, with its cybersecurity partner Irdeto, and allied rights holders like SuperSport, have carried out widespread anti-piracy operations. Between 2024 and 2025 they disrupted 49,000 pirate access points — a 63% increase from the previous year — and filed over 233 legal cases in six months alone.
A notable conviction involved Vuyisile Selem, sentenced in Germiston Regional Court to a R10,000 fine or 12 months’ imprisonment for distributing an IPTV box with unauthorised DSTV access.
Crucially, when sellers are raided, customer databases, payment histories, and login details are often seized — meaning end users can be identified and held liable.
Pirate services often perform poorly
Pirate streaming platforms such as My Family Cinema, WakaTV, Soap2Doay etc. are hosted on overseas, underfunded servers with no optimisation for South Africa, leading to buffering and failures during peak usage. In contrast, licensed services such as Netflix, Showmax, DSTV Stream, and Amazon Prime invest in local CDNs and ISP peering, ensuring stable and high-quality streaming. So-called “support” for these pirate platforms often misleads users into blaming their internet connection or ISP – even encouraging them to switch ISPs – when issues like buffering or failed streams occur. In truth, these problems are typically caused by the poor infrastructure of the pirate service itself, as the same internet connection typically performs well on legitimate platforms and other services.
VPN use for geo-restricted services isn’t a workaround
While VPNs may make paid for foreign services like Peacock, BBC iPlayer, or Hulu accessible, this remains unlawful if the content is already licensed in South Africa. It violates the provider’s terms of service and breaches regional licensing agreements. Platforms may suspend accounts and legal risk remains. While some argue that accessing content not available at all in South Africa should be allowed, proving a user’s knowledge or intent regarding existing distribution agreements is extremely difficult. It is therefore risky to assume that using such platforms “solely” for unavailable content will be viewed as lawful.
Social impact: how piracy hurts communities and creators
Piracy indiscriminately impacts industries and community programmes. Revenue from legitimate subscription platforms like DSTV Premium funds initiatives such as school sports development, providing equipment, venues, and exposure for youth. When piracy undercuts subscriptions, this funding is directly affected.
Likewise, piracy deprives actors, writers, directors, and production crews of fair compensation, threatening future local productions and job opportunities. The creative sector — which contributes nearly 3% of GDP — relies on subscriber revenue to sustain itself.
Don’t fund piracy
We encourage users not to engage in piracy in any form. Never pay for pirate content, VPN workarounds, IPTV playlists, or unofficial setup services. Financial participation in piracy exposes you to more severe legal penalties, security risks, undermines South Africa’s culture, sport, and education sectors, and harms actors and producers.
Don’t be deceived by streaming pirates who claim they have “rights” to DSTV or other licensed content, or that they have “agreements” to this effect. Multichoice has confirmed on more than one occasion that it does not sub license rights to its content to South Africans.
Choose legal, sanctioned platforms. They deliver better performance, verified content, user safety, and help ensure that our creative and sporting industries continue to thrive.
