The South African supernovela 'The Polygamist' has gained significant popularity on Netflix, dominating African social media and sparking discussions about relationships among students. It has climbed into Netflix's global top charts, leading many to question whether the 22-episode series is worth watching. The show's impact is evident as campus WhatsApp groups have become quieter, likely due to students binge-watching the series.

The Netflix series 'The Polygamist,' based on a book by Zimbabwean author Sue Nyathi, has led to a significant increase in book piracy in Kenya. As the show gains popularity, the demand for the original material has surged, prompting the author to take action against the unauthorized distribution of her work. This situation highlights the rapid intersection of streaming entertainment and local commerce in the region.

Netflix is reassessing its growth strategy following a period of significant expansion in the streaming industry. Historically, the company focused on internal growth through investments in technology, global distribution, and original content, rather than large-scale acquisitions common in Hollywood. This strategy has allowed Netflix to transition from a DVD rental service to a leading global streaming platform.

iStore South Africa will open pre-orders for Apple's new iPhone Duo on 16 October 2026, according to htxt.africa. The retailer has not yet announced local pricing for the device. The announcement gives South African customers a confirmed date to secure the handset ahead of its official local release, though details on availability timelines and configurations remain unconfirmed. Prospective buyers are expected to be able to place orders through iStore, Apple's premium reseller in the country.

Canal+ has announced that MultiChoice's DStv streaming app will be pre-installed on the home screen of new Samsung TVs sold across Africa. This initiative aims to enhance accessibility to DStv's streaming services for users in the region.

Mothibi Ramusi, chairperson of South Africa's Independent Communications Authority (Icasa, referred to as Okosa), has discussed the regulator's market inquiries into high telecommunications costs and the impact of over-the-top (OTT) services such as Netflix and WhatsApp on local networks. According to Moneyweb, the regulator is examining how these popular platforms affect domestic network operators, signalling that streaming and messaging services could face greater regulatory scrutiny in South Africa.