All of the SABC's TV channels on MultiChoice's pay-TV platform suddenly went dark on Friday evening - with SABC1 (DStv 191), SABC2 (DStv 192), SABC3 (DStv 193) and SABC News (DStv 404) all suffering a blackout.
The SABC channels blackout on DStv is due to a problem with the link-up between the SABC and MultiChoice - the SABC's TV channels broadcast on analogue are unaffected.
MultiChoice didn't immediately respond to media enquiries.
SABC spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago tells TV with Thinus that "the problem is between the uplink between the SABC and MultiChoice. Technicians from MultiChoice and the SABC are trying to fix it and are looking at the problem. The uplink is not connected. It's only a problem for DStv subscribers. Rural people in Langa getting the SABC on analogue are having their SABC".
DStv subscribers were quick to blast MultiChoice on social media while the South African satellite pay-TV platform was slow with an answer.
While complaints started to flood DStv's Facebook page and while subscribers asked DStv what is going on, no answers or responses were forthcoming.
"Shame on you. Let customers know what's going on. Shame on you," wrote Austin Bearer.
"What happened to SABC channels?" asked Noluntu Moletsie - her question echoed by dozens of irate, confused DStv subscribers who got no answer.
"Where is SABC1, SABC2 and SABC3? Can't get through to your call centre! Frustrated" said Debra Rodrigues.
"Geeezzzzz what a poor communication service from both DStv and the SABC," said Elizabeth Marais.
"DStv should have at least said something by now. It's clear a lot of people are experiencing this problem. With the big bucks we are paying, your silence is upsetting us even more," said Siba Johnson.
SABC1 and SABC2 returned to DStv at 19:18 with still with no response, explanation or apology from DStv. SABC3 and SABC News remained black.
SABC1 and SABC News returned to DStv at 19:29.
MultiChoice responded to a media enquiry at 19:39, not explaining what happened, but apologising and saying sorry.
"MultiChoice can confirm that the feed from the SABC failed this evening. We rerouted the feed and all SABC channels have since been restored. Apologies to our customers for this interruption in their viewing," MultiChoice tells TV with Thinus.
