With over 208 million subscribers as of April 2021, Netflix is one of the most successful international video-on-demand streaming services. The platform’s careful selection of movies and TV shows has made people across the globe trust it, with certainty that almost everything on Netflix is worth watching. The 2020 global lockdown resulting from the coronavirus pandemic left a lot of people bored at home, and Netflix became the companion of many.
Since Netflix was launched in South Africa, they have worked with production companies to showcase the talent and creativity of South Africans to the world. The major limitations most South Africans and Africans at large have with streaming Netflix is the huge amount of data it consumes, besides the subscription fee. But in order to satisfy everyone, Netflix has made its services affordable to all by dividing their packages into different categories.
Netflix Offers South Africans Three Subscription Packages
A very common question among most South Africans who want to get access to endless South African and international movies on Netflix is ‘How much is Netflix in South Africa?’ Well, the answer to that question will depend on the package you subscribe to.
Netflix currently offers people living in South Africa three separate packages of distinct prices, so there will certainly be that package that everyone can afford, including students. Below is a list of all the Netflix packages and prices.
1. Basic Package
For a monthly subscription fee of R99, subscribers to the Netflix Basic Package can enjoy access to Netflix movies and TV series. This package also happens to be the cheapest in South Africa and as such, can be afforded by anyone, including students. The Basic Package comes with some limitations which include:
- Only one screen can have access to streaming at a time.
- Subscribers can not stream on High Definition (HD) or Ultra High Definition (UHD). You are allowed to watch on Standard Definition only.
Other than the above-listed limitations, subscribers to the basic package can watch their favorite Netflix shows and movies on any kind of device. Whether it’s a smartphone, laptop, tablet, desktop, or even your television, you are good to go.
2. Standard Package
The Netflix standard package costs R159 and is similar to the basic package in terms of limitations as it can only be streamed on Standard Definition. The major advantage the Standard Package has over the basic package is that two devices can be connected at the same time.
So, if you have a friend who will like to share the cost, both of you can go ahead to do so since you both can be watching at the same time without worries. Also, just like the basic package, the standard package can be accessed on any kind of device.
3. Premium Package
The Netflix Premium Package is the most expensive in South Africa. Just like you already know, more expensive things come with the best offers and fewer limitations. All the limitations subscribers of the basic and standard package have to deal with are totally eliminated in the Premium Package. Subscribers can stream in both High Definition and Ultra-High Definition, giving them access to enjoy the best visuals for just R199.
Subscribing for this package also gives you access to watch on four different screens. This makes it possible for four friends to contribute and pay together since they can all watch at the same time. Paying together is absolutely cheaper than paying for the basic package individual.
Which Netflix Package Is The Best To Subscribe To?
The package you decide to subscribe to will depend on your budget for entertainment and data. While the basic and standard plans may be cheaper and have some limitations, some may prefer the premium package. According to Netflix, steaming in Standard Definition costs 1GB per hour while streaming on HD may cost as much as 3GB per hour.
So, if you do not have so much on your budget for data as well as for a Netflix subscription, the basic and standard package may be a better deal. However, if you can afford to spend more on Netflix subscription but not much on data, then you can go for the premium package and still stream in SD. What matters is that you can stream from any gadget, and the cheaper packages do not limit the subscribers from watching any movie, so all subscribers irrespective of the package they subscribe to have excess to the same amount of movies and series.
What Requirements Do I Need To Get Access To Netflix?
Money for subscription on Netflix is not the only thing that you require to be able to access Netflix. There are other relevant things you need to ensure that you have or have access to before subscribing to Netflix, or else your subscription may end up not being used. The requirements for accessing Netflix include:
1. Having A Streaming Device
Before paying for a Netflix subscription, the very first thing you need to ensure that you have is a streaming device. Thankfully, Netflix has made it possible that subscribers can stream from any device as long as it is a smart device. You can stream using a Smart Blu-ray, PlayStation, Apple TV, iPad, Laptop, iPhone, and any android phone. You can even purchase a Netflix decoder for your home or office. Without access to a good streaming device, you should probably not bother subscribing to Netflix.
2. Access to Good Network
Subscribing for Netflix with access to the right kind of smart device but without good network service is still a futile effort. You will need at least 0.5MB/s speed to be able to stream on the Netflix website. Thankfully, 3G networks are not so bad for streaming Netflix, however, you should bear in mind that streaming HD or UHD with 3G may be really slow and as such, the user experience may be poor.
For a better user experience whether you intend to stream with SD, HD, or UD, go for a streaming device that allows you to stream with a 4G or 5G network. And for the best experience, it is better you use an LTE modem.
3. Create A Netflix Account
If you have a good streaming device and access to a good network, then you can now proceed to create an account with Netflix. All that you require for the process is your email address.
To set up your account, follow the steps below:
- Visit the official Netflix sign-up page.
- Click on the ‘Next’ button.
- Chose a Plan.
- Click on the ‘Next’ button.
- Enter your email address.
- Create a password.
4. Proceed To Make Payments
After creating an account, if you are ready to make payments immediately, you can proceed to make payments by entering your debit or credit card information. Immediately your payment is confirmed, you will have access to the endless entertainment Netflix gives you access to.
Keep in mind that with Netflix, you can have access to both South African and international movies that will keep you entertained all day and all night.
Netflix Was Launched In South Africa In 2016
Netflix is a tech, entertainment, and mass media company founded by Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph in 1997 with the initial intention of selling and renting DVDs via mail. A decade later, in 2007, the company decided it was time to expand the services/products it offers by venturing into streaming services while continuing with the DVD and Blu-ray rental.
Netflix, which has its headquarters in Los Gatos, California, started expanding its reach beyond California to other countries via its streaming service. Canada was one of the first countries to access this service in 2010 before it got to Latin America Caribbean.
By 2012, Netflix got into the business of production and distribution of movies and television series, leading to the production of movies and television series tagged ‘Netflix Originals’. In 2013, the company got into content production full time and debuted its first television series titled House of Cards.
As of 2016, Netflix had expanded its operations to up to 190 countries, of which South Africa is inclusive. Netflix partnered with the South African Tourism Board to explore the movies and series produced in the country by both foreigners and locals, showcasing them to its subscribers around the globe. Netflix has also made international productions easily accessible to many South Africans.
What South African Movies Can I Watch On Netflix?
One thing that makes most people prefer Showmax to Netflix is that they believe that Showmax gives South Africans access to more local movies and TV series. But Netflix also has some really amazing South African movies and series that you should absolutely watch. The reason why Showmax seems to have more South African movies is simply that Netflix gives premium to quality and a movie that does not align with their quality standard can’t make it to their platform.
So, any South African movie that successfully makes it to Netflix is worth your subscription fee, data, and time. Here is a list of the South African movies and TV series you can find on Netflix.
| Year of Release | Name of Movie |
| 2021 | Jica! |
| 2020 | The octopus Teacher |
| 2021 | I Am All Girks |
| 2020 – 2021 | Blood and Water |
| 2020 | Zulu Man In Japan |
| 2020 – 2021 | Kings of Jo’Burg |
| 2019 | The Letter Reader |
| 2020 – 2021 | Queen of Sono |
| 2020 | Santana |
| 2020 – 2021 | How to Ruin Christmas: The Wedding |
| 2014 | Cold Harbour |
| 2016 | Die Ontwalking |
| 2017 | All About Love |
| 2019 – 2021 | Shadow |
| 2017 | Pop, Lock ‘n’ Roll |
| 2012 | Pretvilke |
| 2018 | Baby Mamas |
| 2019 – 2021 | Agent |
| 2010 | Liefling Die Movie |
| 2013 | Mandela: Long Walk to freedom |
| 2019 | Uncovered |
| 2015 | French Toast |
| 2017 | Catching Feelings |
| 2017 | Kalushi |
| 2020 | Seriously Single |
| 2017 | Vaya |
| 2018 | Jacked love |
| 2012 | Material |
| 2021 | Tripping with the Kandasamys |
| 2014 | Jeff Durham: All Over the map |
| 2019 | Kandasamys The Wedding |
| 2010 | Death Race |
| 2017 | Shepherds and Butchers |
| 2016 | The Seige of Jadotville |
Frequently Asked Questions About Netflix
Here are answers to some of the questions most people have about Netflix.
1. Can I Cancel A Netflix Subscription?
Yes, it is possible to cancel your Netflix subscription or stop it from being automatically renewed. If you do not want to continue with Netflix after your monthly payment, you can cancel the subscription for the subsequent month after you have used up your already running subscription.
2. Is Netflix A Good Streaming Platform for Kids?
Yes, Netflix is good for kids. Parents and guardians can place a PIN restriction on mature content that they do not want their children to watch. Netflix also has a good number of interesting kids and kid-friendly movies and shows that children can enjoy in place of the mature content.
3. Can I Get A Refund From Netflix?
No. Netflix is really strict with its no-refund policy after making payments for your monthly subscription. The only time Netflix can refund you is if the mistake was from their end like a situation where you are still on your trial period and you get debited.
4. How Many Days Of Free Trial Does Netflix Give?
Netflix gives new and intending users access to seven days free trial without payment, after which they can now débit your account. Be sure to cancel your subscription if you don’t wish to continue with Netflix after the trial period.
5. How Can I Cancel My Netflix Subscription?
To cancel your Netflix subscription, follow the steps below:
- Visit the official Netflix website.
- Tap on your account profile picture at the top right corner of your screen.
- Click on Account.
- Under the membership and billing section, select Cancel Membership.
- To complete the cancelation process, click on Confirm.
If you subscribed to Netflix using other third parties, then you may have to cancel your subscription using the third party service.
6. How Do I Access Netflix Customer Care?
There are a variety of reasons why you may need to contact Netflix customer care, especially whenever you have issues with your subscription. To access Netflix customer care, all you need to do is;
- Visit the official Netflix website.
- Scroll down to the bottom of the page.
- Click on Help Center.
- Click on the Call Us or Start A Live Chat Button to start communicating with a Netflix customer care agent.
7. How Do I Update My Netflix Password or Update My Account Information?
Just in case you forget your password or need to update your account profile, you can easily do that by following the steps below:
- Visit the official Netflix website.
- Scroll down the homepage.
- Click on Help Center.
- You will be directed to a page containing quick links.
- Depending on the service you wish to perform, click the necessary link.
8. What Device Do I Need To Be Able To Download Netflix?
It is also possible to download a movie from the Netflix app or website to your mobile phone, but not all device supports this. Here is a detailed list of all the devices that support downloading movies:
- Chromebook
- Chromebox
- Windows 10 tablet or computer
- Amazon Fire tablet with OS 4.0 or later
- iPod touch running iOS 9.0 or later
- Android 4.4.2 or later Android phones or tablet
- iPhone with iOS 9.0 or later
- iPad running iOS 9.0 or later
9. How Do I Download Movies From Netflix App To My Phone
- Open the Netflix app on your smartphone or gadget.
- Tap on ‘See what you can download’, ‘Find More to download’, ‘Find Something to Download’ or ‘Available for Download’ depending on the kind of device you are using
- Select the TV show or movie you want to download.
- Tap on download from the description page of the movie.
10. How Many Movies Can I Download On My Phone?
Each device included on the subscription plan can download as many as 100 movies.
11. How Do I Watch Downloaded Movies And TV Shows On Netflix?
To watch downloaded movies on your mobile app, just tap on downloads, and you will have access to them. If you are watching on a Windows 10 device, then click the menu, then tap on Downloads.
