DStv Marks 30 Years with the Return of Iconic ‘Open Time’
3 min read
Television legends Ashley Hayden, Scot Scott and Doreen Morris reunite as DStv celebrates three decades of entertainment with three days of free Premium access.
In a move that bridges generations of television lovers, DStv is celebrating its 30th anniversary with the grand return of “Open Time” a beloved programming event that first introduced South Africans to the world of pay television in the early 1990s. From November 7 to 9 all active DStv satellite customers will be treated to three full days of unrestricted access to every DStv Premium channel, marking a milestone that honors the platform’s evolution, its viewers and the golden age of South African TV.
To make the celebration even more meaningful, some of the nation’s most iconic television personalities Ashley Hayden, Scot Scott, and Doreen Morris are returning to screens, bringing a wave of nostalgia to those who remember the earliest days of M-Net and DStv’s rise. Their return is not just a look back at the past, but a symbolic reunion of the familiar faces who helped shape the country’s entertainment landscape.
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“Open Time” first aired in 1995, offering South Africans a chance to experience pay-tv content without a subscription, effectively giving households a glimpse into the future of broadcasting. It became a cultural moment, introducing local audiences to world-class programming and unforgettable shows like Carte Blanche and Egoli. What began as a promotional initiative eventually became a cherished piece of television history a period that many credit for inspiring a new wave of broadcasters, storytellers, and on-screen talent.
Ashley Hayden, one of the original faces of the era, reflected fondly on her early career and how far television has come. “I remember so clearly the first time I went on television,” she recalled. “M-Net had just started airing morning movies, and there were maybe two housewives watching. Everyone wanted a decoder back then. It was something special the excitement, the innovation, the sense that TV could really change lives.”
Fellow presenter Scot Scott also shared his memories of working in an era when technology was far less advanced, but creativity was limitless. “In those days, we wrote our own scripts, dressed ourselves, and there was no autocue,” he said. “You had to have everything in your head and keep going no matter what happened. It taught us professionalism, resilience, and the art of connecting with the audience directly.”
For Doreen Morris, another beloved icon returning for the 30th anniversary celebration, the revival of “Open Time” is a heartfelt gesture of appreciation toward loyal DStv subscribers and viewers. “It is a lovely way to give back to long-time viewers,” she said. “For customers on other packages, it opens up access to Premium stories and experiences they may not have seen before. It’s a wonderful 30th birthday gift not just from DStv to its customers but to South African television as a whole.”
Omega Tv UK celebrates ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY, we wish to thank all our viewers for helping us reach this milestone.
Happy 1st anniversary to Omega TV UK!.
Over the past three decades, DStv has played a central role in shaping media culture across Africa. From bringing global entertainment home to supporting local productions, the platform has been a launchpad for countless creative careers and a trusted companion for millions of households. The revival of “Open Time” underscores DStv’s continued commitment to accessibility, nostalgia, and innovation. It’s a reminder of where it all began and a glimpse of how far television can still go.
As part of its anniversary celebrations, DStv has promised exclusive surprises, special throwback content, and appearances from classic TV personalities throughout the three-day event. It’s more than just a viewing opportunity it’s an invitation to relive memories, reconnect with familiar faces and experience the evolution of storytelling in one unifying broadcast moment.
Thirty years later, DStv’s journey remains one defined by connection, creativity, and community. And with “Open Time” making its long-awaited return, the platform reminds viewers that while technology and times may change, the joy of shared stories and iconic television moments never fades.
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