Entertainment: Do South Africans prefer going out or staying in?

Do South Africans prefer going out or staying in?

Discover how entertainment choices in South Africa balance cinema trips, live theatre, sports events and television at home.

Entertainment in South Africa offers something for every mood, budget and social occasion.

Some people enjoy the cinema’s big-screen magic, while others prefer live performances or cheering from stadium seats. Many South Africans still find their favourite entertainment on television at home.

Cost, convenience and personal interests all influence these choices. However, digital platforms now offer more ways to enjoy films, sport and local productions without leaving the couch.

So, which entertainment experiences attract South Africans, and what keeps audiences coming back?

DOES ENTERTAINMENT STILL DRAW SOUTH AFRICANS TO CINEMAS?

Movie theatres still offer a social experience that home viewing cannot entirely replicate. Big screens, powerful sound and blockbuster releases give cinema outings a special appeal. Yet audiences must weigh ticket prices, transport and refreshments against home entertainment costs.

A 2026 industry analysis published by The Media Online reported more than six million South African cinema admissions during 2025. Ster-Kinekor accounted for approximately 3.1 million admissions, while other cinema operators collectively delivered nearly three million.

These figures show that cinema still attracts substantial audiences, although annual admissions do not reveal how often individual South Africans attend. A Ster-Kinekor cinema audience report also highlights the market’s sizeable audience of regular moviegoers.

WHY DO LIVE THEATRE AND SPORT KEEP AUDIENCES COMING?

Live entertainment offers atmosphere, shared excitement and experiences that recordings cannot fully reproduce. Johannesburg’s Montecasino illustrates this appeal through its theatre productions, concerts and other events.

Shows like ballets, musicals and even operas attract sell-out crowds to Montecasino quite often. These performances combine South African and international talent with a live symphony orchestra.

Sport offers a similar draw, from rugby and football matches to major cricket fixtures. Stadium crowds share the tension, celebrations and rivalries that make live sport memorable.

However, television lets supporters follow matches without travelling or paying stadium prices. That flexibility matters when household budgets face pressure.

IS WATCHING ENTERTAINMENT AT HOME THE WINNER?

Home viewing remains a powerful competitor because it combines convenience, choice and affordability. South Africans can watch broadcast television, stream series or catch up on local productions and programmes whenever schedules allow.

The Broadcast Research Council of South Africa’s 2026 establishment survey measures television and online video audiences across the country. Its research recognises that viewing now spans broadcast channels, streaming services and connected devices.

Meanwhile, SABC announced in August 2026 that SABC+ had surpassed three million registered users. This milestone highlights demand for digital access to local entertainment, news and sport.

PwC’s Africa Entertainment and Media Outlook 2026–2030 expects streaming to grow, while traditional television remains important. South Africans therefore appear unlikely to choose just one entertainment format.

The real winner depends on the occasion. A blockbuster, live musical or decisive match can make going out worthwhile.

After a long day, however, the television often wins through comfort and convenience.