Phuthuma Nathi Shares: Complete Investment Guide
MultiChoice’s successful black economic empowerment share scheme
Last updated: November 2025
Quick Facts
- Over 75,000 black shareholders since 2006
- R19.6 billion paid in dividends by 2025
- 25% stake in MultiChoice South Africa
- Average 30% annual returns over 18 years
- Only available to black South Africans and entities
Table of Contents
What is Phuthuma Nathi?
Phuthuma Nathi is one of South Africa’s most successful black economic empowerment share schemes. It was created in 2006 by MultiChoice to give black South Africans a chance to own part of the country’s leading entertainment company.
The name means “Thrive with Us” in isiZulu. This scheme allows ordinary South Africans to become shareholders in MultiChoice South Africa, which runs DStv and other entertainment services.
Key Information:
- Phuthuma Nathi owns 25% of MultiChoice South Africa
- Over 75,000 shareholders from all backgrounds
- Shareholders include domestic workers, gardeners, teachers, nurses, stokvels, and businesses
- Shares started trading publicly on 8 December 2011
- Original share price was R10 in 2006
✅ Who Can Buy Phuthuma Nathi Shares?
This is a BBBEE (Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment) scheme. Only certain people and groups can buy these shares.
Eligible Buyers:
- Black South African individuals – You must be a black person according to BBBEE laws
- Black-owned businesses – Companies with BBBEE certificates
- Stokvels – Investment clubs owned by black members
- Black trusts and organisations
Important Restrictions:
- You can only buy from or sell to other eligible black people or entities
- Maximum ownership is 10% of total shares (directly or in concert)
- Companies must show valid BBBEE accreditation certificates
- Individuals must sign a declaration confirming eligibility
Note: These restrictions will stay in place as long as BBBEE regulations require companies to have black ownership.
How to Buy Phuthuma Nathi Shares
You can buy shares in two ways: online through the trading platform or by phone through the call centre.
Step-by-Step Process:
Step 1: Register Your Profile
Contact Phuthuma Nathi to create your trading account. You will need:
- South African ID document
- Proof of residence (not older than 3 months)
- Bank account proof
- Contact details (phone and email)
Step 2: FICA Verification
Your profile must be FICA-verified before you can trade. This is a legal requirement. The verification process takes a few days.
Step 3: Deposit Money
Before you can buy shares, you must deposit money into the EESE bank account.
- Use your EESE account code as the payment reference
- Only cash deposits and EFTs are allowed – NO cheques
- Deposits take 2-3 working days to appear in your account
- You will get an SMS or email when the money is available
⚠️ CRITICAL: Always use your EESE account code as the reference. Without this, your deposit will be delayed!
Step 4: Place Your Buy Order
Once your deposit is confirmed, you can buy shares:
- Online: Log into the EESE trading platform at www.phuthumanathi.co.za
- By phone: Call 086 011 6226 (Monday-Friday, 7am-6pm)
You will need to enter the number of shares you want to buy and the price you’re willing to pay.
Step 5: Order Matching
Your buy order will be matched with a seller if:
- Your price matches a seller’s asking price, OR
- Your price is higher than or equal to the lowest seller price
Call Centre: 086 011 6226 (7am – 6pm, weekdays)
Email: phuthumanathi@singularservices.co.za
Website: www.phuthumanathi.co.za
Trading Hours: Monday-Friday, 9am – 5pm (excluding public holidays)
💰 Dividend Payments – The Real Money
Phuthuma Nathi shares have paid dividends every single year since 2006. This is where shareholders make their money!
Recent Dividend History:
| Year | Total Dividend | Per Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | R1.375 billion | R20.37 (R16.30 after tax) |
| 2025 (Expected) | R412.5 million | TBC |
| Total Since 2006 | R19.6 billion | – |
How Dividends Work:
- Dividends are paid automatically into your EESE trading account
- You get an SMS or email notification when payment is made
- Dividends are usually paid once per year (typically September)
- Dividend tax (currently 20%) is deducted before payment
- You can withdraw dividends to your bank account or use them to buy more shares
⚠️ R240 Million in Unclaimed Dividends!
As of 2024, over 18,000 shareholders have not claimed their dividends. Are you one of them?
Why Dividends Go Unclaimed:
- Outdated bank account details
- Old contact information (phone or email)
- Shareholders who passed away – families don’t know about shares
- Trading account suspended for security (needs verification)
How to Claim Your Dividends:
If you (or someone you know) owned Phuthuma Nathi shares between 2006 and 2024 but haven’t received dividends:
- Call the Phuthuma Nathi call centre: 086 011 6226
- Email: phuthumanathi@singularservices.co.za
- Have your ID, bank proof, and other documents ready (FICA process)
- Once verified, payment takes 3-5 working days
How to Sell Your Phuthuma Nathi Shares
Selling shares works similar to buying them. You can only sell to other eligible black people or entities.
Steps to Sell:
1. Access the Trading Platform
- Log into the EESE platform using your shareholder number and password
- OR call the call centre at 086 011 6226
2. Enter Selling Details
You need to provide:
- Number of shares you want to sell
- Asking price per share
- Confirmation and acceptance of costs (taxes and admin fees)
3. Order Goes to Market
Your sell order will be visible to potential buyers. It gets matched when a buyer’s price equals or exceeds your asking price.
4. Receive Your Money
When shares sell, the money goes into your EESE trading account. You can then withdraw it to your bank account.
Should You Sell?
Many financial experts advise HOLDING your shares for long-term wealth creation. Here’s why:
- Consistent annual dividends since 2006
- 30% average annual returns over 18 years
- Share value has increased 20x since launch
- MultiChoice remains a strong, profitable company
💵 Costs and Fees
Understanding costs helps you plan your investment properly.
When Buying Shares:
- Securities Transfer Tax (STT): 0.25% of trade value (automatic)
- Administration fee: Small fee added to each transaction
- No commission fees to directors (they serve for free)
When Selling Shares:
- Administration fee: Processing fee for the sale
- Tax on any profit: Capital gains tax applies
On Dividends:
- Dividend tax: 20% deducted automatically before payment
- No other fees on dividend payments
– STT (0.25%): R25
– Admin fee: approximately R50-100
– Total cost: R10,075 – R10,125
Use the share purchase calculator on the Phuthuma Nathi website to estimate your exact costs before buying.
🚨 SCAM ALERT: Protect Your Investment!
Phuthuma Nathi has issued official warnings about fake websites and scammers!
Common Scams to Watch Out For:
1. Fake Trading Websites
Scammers create websites that look like the official Phuthuma Nathi site. They steal your money and personal information.
✅ ONLY use: www.phuthumanathi.co.za
2. “Help You Claim Dividends” Scams
Scammers call saying they’ll help you claim unclaimed dividends, but want upfront fees or your banking details.
✅ REALITY: Phuthuma Nathi NEVER charges fees to claim dividends. Only call 086 011 6226 directly.
3. “Urgent Share Sale” Pressure
Scammers contact you claiming you must sell your shares urgently due to the Canal+ takeover or other fake reasons.
✅ REALITY: Your shares don’t expire. There’s no urgent need to sell. Take your time and verify all information.
4. Fake Trading Agents
People claiming to be authorised Phuthuma Nathi agents who can buy your shares “off-market” at great prices.
✅ REALITY: All trading happens through the official EESE platform only. No “agents” are authorised.
How to Protect Yourself:
- ONLY use the official website: www.phuthumanathi.co.za
- ONLY call the official number: 086 011 6226
- NEVER give your EESE password to anyone
- NEVER pay “fees” to claim dividends
- VERIFY any communication by calling Phuthuma Nathi directly
- Be suspicious of unsolicited calls, emails, or SMS messages
- Check that websites have “https” and the correct domain name
1. Report to SABRIC (South African Banking Risk Information Centre): 0860 123 000
2. Report to Phuthuma Nathi immediately: 086 011 6226
3. Open a case at your local police station
4. Contact your bank to stop any fraudulent transactions
5. Change all your passwords immediately
Canal+ Takeover: What It Means for You
In 2025, French media company Canal+ is taking over MultiChoice Group. This is big news for Phuthuma Nathi shareholders.
Key Facts About the Takeover:
- Canal+ offered R125 per MultiChoice share
- The takeover was approved by South Africa’s Competition Tribunal in July 2025
- Phuthuma Nathi shareholders voted YES on 26 August 2025
- Total deal value: USD 2.9 billion (R55 billion)
What Changes for Phuthuma Nathi:
- Ownership Structure: Phuthuma Nathi’s stake is being reorganised through a new company called “LicenceCo”
- Increased Stake: Phuthuma Nathi will increase from 25% to approximately 27% economic interest in the reorganised structure
- BBBEE Protection: The deal ensures MultiChoice maintains strong black ownership to comply with South African laws
- Your Shares Stay Valid: Your Phuthuma Nathi shares continue as before
What This Means for Dividends:
The takeover is expected to strengthen MultiChoice’s position in African entertainment. Canal+ is a major global media company with strong finances. This could mean:
- More investment in content and technology
- Better competition against streaming services
- Potential for continued or increased dividend payments
- Stronger market position across Africa
📊 Real Investment Performance
Let’s look at actual returns from Phuthuma Nathi shares compared to other investments:
| Investment Type | Initial Investment (2006) | Value in 2024 | Annual Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phuthuma Nathi | R4,000 | R42,400 + R65,256 dividends | ~30% |
| Bank Savings Account | R4,000 | ~R8,000 | ~4% |
| JSE Top 40 | R4,000 | ~R18,000 | ~9% |
❓ Common Questions Answered
Can I lose my shares if I don’t sell them?
No! Your shares never expire. They remain yours for as long as you want to keep them. Ignore any scammers claiming you must sell urgently.
Do my shares earn interest while I hold them?
No, shares don’t earn interest like a bank account. Instead, you earn money through dividend payments (usually once per year) and through the share price increasing over time.
What happens to my shares when I die?
Your shares become part of your estate and can be inherited by your beneficiaries. Make sure your family knows about your Phuthuma Nathi shares and has access to your shareholder documents.
Can I buy more shares later?
Yes! You can buy additional shares anytime through the trading platform. You can only buy from existing shareholders who are selling (no new shares are being issued).
Is there a minimum or maximum number of shares I can buy?
There’s no set minimum, but you need enough money for at least one share plus fees. The maximum is 10% of total Phuthuma Nathi shares (directly or in concert with others).
Can I use my shares as collateral for a loan?
This depends on individual lenders. Contact Phuthuma Nathi and your lender to discuss this option. Never give anyone control of your shares without proper legal documentation.
🌟 How Shareholders Have Used Their Dividends
Phuthuma Nathi dividends have changed thousands of lives. Here’s what real shareholders have done:
- Education: Paying for children’s university fees and school expenses
- Home Ownership: Deposits for houses or renovating existing homes
- Retirement: Building a nest egg for later years
- Emergencies: Having savings for medical expenses or unexpected costs
- Small Businesses: Starting or growing family businesses
- Supporting Family: Helping extended family members with various needs
📄 Keep These Documents Safe
As a Phuthuma Nathi shareholder, you should safely store:
- Your shareholder certificate
- Your EESE account number and login details
- Confirmation emails/SMS for all transactions
- Annual dividend statements
- Tax certificates for dividends received
- Proof of your original purchase
🔐 Security Tip: Keep copies in different places (physical and digital). Share the information with a trusted family member so they can claim your shares if something happens to you.
Our Final Recommendations
Phuthuma Nathi is one of South Africa’s most successful BBBEE share schemes for good reason. With 30% average annual returns over 18 years and consistent dividend payments, it has created real wealth for thousands of ordinary South Africans.
If you’re thinking of buying: This investment works best for patient investors who can hold shares for many years. Don’t expect to get rich overnight, but the long-term track record is excellent.
If you already own shares: Keep them! The history shows that shareholders who held their shares from the beginning have built significant wealth. Update your contact details regularly so you don’t miss dividend payments.
Stay alert for scams: Only use official Phuthuma Nathi channels. Never pay “fees” to claim dividends. Never give your passwords to anyone. If someone contacts you with urgent pressure to sell, it’s probably a scam.
For support: Call 086 011 6226 or email phuthumanathi@singularservices.co.za with any questions. The team is there to help genuine shareholders.
📞 Important Contact Information
| Phuthuma Nathi Call Centre: | 086 011 6226 (7am-6pm weekdays) |
| Email: | phuthumanathi@singularservices.co.za |
| Website: | www.phuthumanathi.co.za |
| Trading Hours: | Mon-Fri 9am-5pm (excluding public holidays) |
| Report Scams (SABRIC): | 0860 123 000 |
| FSCA (Financial complaints): | 0800 110 443 |
| MultiChoice Investor Relations: | investors.multichoice.com |
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes and was last updated in November 2025. Financial regulations, fees, share prices, and dividend amounts may change. The share price fluctuates based on market conditions. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Always verify current information with official Phuthuma Nathi sources before making investment decisions. This article does not constitute financial advice – consult a qualified financial adviser for personalised guidance.
For complaints or disputes about financial services, contact the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) at 0800 110 443 or visit www.fsca.co.za