In an exciting throwback to the past, three prominent figures from South Africa’s television history – Ashley Hayden, Scot Scott, and Doreen Morris – will be amongst the many beloved icons returning to screens as DStv honours its 30th anniversary. To commemorate this significant milestone, the platform is reviving ‘Open Time’, a cherished programming block that first introduced South Africans to the world of pay-television in the vibrant 1990s.
From November 7 to 9, all active DStv satellite customers can enjoy three days of unrestricted access to every DStv Premium channel.
A nostalgic tribute to television’s golden hours
Open Time originally launched in 1995 as a gateway for South Africans to explore new genres and styles of entertainment. It introduced iconic shows like ‘Carte Blanche’ and ‘Egoli’, nurturing future household names along the way.
Ashley Hayden fondly recalls her debut on television during those pioneering years, reminiscing, “I remember so clearly the first time I went on television. M-Net had just started airing morning movies and there were maybe two housewives watching… Everyone wanted a decoder.”
Scot Scott, another veteran presenter, reflects on the evolution of the industry, saying, “In those days we wrote our own scripts, dressed ourselves, and there was no autocue. You had to have everything in your head and keep going no matter what.”
In a similar vein, Doreen Morris sees the revival of Open Time as a generous nod to long-time viewers. “It is a lovely way to give back to loyal viewers,” she explains. “For long-time customers on other packages, it opens up access to Premium stories and experiences they may not have seen before. It is a wonderful 30th birthday gift.”
The Open Time weekend features a packed sports lineup on SuperSport, including the Springboks vs France match on Saturday and Manchester City vs Liverpool as well as the F1 Brazil Grand Prix on Sunday.
Shining a spotlight on today’s talent
The anniversary celebration doesn’t just look back; it also showcases the contemporary stars of South African entertainment. Included in the weekend line-up are figures from current popular shows like Sweet Guluva and reality sensation Abongwe Mseleku, ensuring a vibrant mix of nostalgia and new talent.
The Open Time initiative will run from 12:01am on Friday, November 7, to 11:59pm on Sunday, November 9, 2025, exclusively for active DStv decoder customers in South Africa. Please note that this complimentary weekend does not extend to streaming services.
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