Star Khanya Launches on DStv: A New isiZulu Entertainment Channel from JioStar

JioStar and DStv have announced the launch of Star Khanya, a brand-new general entertainment channel in isiZulu, offering a unique blend of rich storytelling and South African cultural essence.

Launch Details and Availability

Star Khanya will make its debut on 18 August 2025 at 18:00 on DStv Channel 160. It will be available to viewers across all key packages, including Premium, Compact Plus, Compact, Family, and Access.

A Cultural Collaboration That Shines

The word “Khanya” means “to shine” in isiZulu, perfectly reflecting the channel’s mission to bring stories to life in a way that resonates with South African audiences.

The channel will feature eight original prime-time shows daily from 18:00–22:00, consisting of popular Indian telenovelas and soapies, all dubbed into isiZulu and subtitled in English.

Relatable Stories with Strong Characters

Star Khanya’s programming is designed to be family-friendly, with progressive and contemporary characters that mirror real-life dreams, struggles, and triumphs.

“We’ve made meaningful improvements to DStv this year with more channels, more value, and greater streaming flexibility,” says Byron du Plessis, CEO of MultiChoice South Africa. “Star Khanya brings more local relevance to our content mix, offering engaging entertainment in a language that feels like home for millions of our customers.”

A JioStar spokesperson added: “We believe in the power of storytelling to unite people across cultures and languages. With Star Khanya, we celebrate identity, connect communities, and redefine how stories are localised.”

Inspired by Zulu Heritage

Star Khanya’s visual identity is deeply rooted in the artistry of Zulu beadwork, with its vibrant colours, rich symbolism, and strong sense of cultural identity.

• Logo: Represents the strength of women.
• Jingle: Combines traditional elements with modern energy to inspire pride and emotion.

Why isiZulu-Dubbed Stories Are Growing

JioStar already airs Star Life (DStv Channel 167) and research shows increasing demand for high-quality dubbed shows in local languages. Star Khanya builds on this insight, offering award-winning content in isiZulu for a more immersive and relatable viewing experience.

More Value for DStv Customers

The launch of Star Khanya forms part of DStv’s wider strategy to enhance customer experience. Recent updates include:

• New channels across all packages
• Extra concurrent streaming options
• Reduced decoder prices
• Enhanced DStv Rewards

More upgrades are planned for the coming months, ensuring subscribers receive maximum value from their service.