Arts and Entertainment
JOHANNESBURG – In a significant policy reversal, MultiChoice has reinstated a collection of classic Leon Schuster films on its DStv and Showmax services, five years after they were pulled for review over concerns of racial insensitivity.
The decision concludes a period of scrutiny that began in 2020 during a global re-evaluation of media content in the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement. At the time, several of Schuster’s popular comedies were removed for their use of blackface and portrayal of racial stereotypes.
A MultiChoice spokesperson clarified the company’s position, stating,
“The films were not banned but were part of a broader content review to ensure all material on our platforms complies with relevant regulations and our own evolving standards. This curated release allows us to present these films within their historical context while acknowledging the lessons we have learned.”
The returned titles, including Sweet & Short, There’s a Zulu on My Stoep, and Oh Schucks, I’m Gatvol, are now available in a special collection on Showmax. Their return is timed with the upcoming release of a new KykNet documentary about the comedian, slated for October 1st.
The move has ignited a fresh debate online. Fans of the slapstick filmmaker have welcomed the decision, celebrating the return of what they view as iconic South African comedy. Conversely, critics have questioned the message it sends, arguing that the films’ use of blackface perpetuates harmful stereotypes.
Schuster himself has previously defended his work as intended for innocent fun but has expressed regret for having benefited from the use of blackface.
The reinstatement occurs amid shifting fortunes for MultiChoice’s services. Showmax has reported a robust 50% growth in its subscriber base, while premium DStv subscriptions have seen a 17% decline since 2021.
A Showmax representative added,
“Our aim is to foster shared viewing experiences that resonate with our diverse audience. This includes being transparent about our past decisions and continuously working to provide content that respects all viewers.”
Public reaction remains divided, reflecting the ongoing conversation about art, history, and social responsibility in South Africa’s cultural landscape.
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