CAPE TOWN: Nearly 22,000 Western Cape learners were affected by a one-day school transport strike over rising fuel costs. A temporary financial relief agreement has now been reached – at the 11th hour, with matric exams beginning on Tuesday.

The provincial education department approved temporary financial relief for learner transport operators following a strike that left nearly 22,000 children without transport to school.

Operators affiliated with the South African National Small Bus Operators Council in the Western Cape (SANSBOC-WC) suspended services for a day on Tuesday, demanding that the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) review their contracts to accommodate rising fuel costs.

We have approved temporary tariff relief, within the limits of our available budget, for the second and third school quarters.

Following Friday’s meeting with operators, Education MEC Jaco Londt confirmed that the department had approved a temporary contract variation covering the second and third school quarters of 2026.

“We have therefore approved temporary tariff relief, within the limits of our available budget, for the second and third school quarters,” Londt told EdDesk.

Under the arrangement, operators will receive a 5% increase in monthly payments for services rendered during the second quarter and a 4.2% increase for the third quarter.

Londt said the intervention, which comes as matric exams begin nationwide on Tuesday,  was intended to sustain learner transport services while ensuring responsible management of public funds.

“We are entering one of the most important periods on the education calendar,” Londt said, warning that disruptions could have serious consequences for matriculants who rely on transport to reach examination centres.

“Should a candidate miss an examination, they may only have the opportunity to write that paper in the following year, which can have a significant impact on their future plans, including access to tertiary studies and employment opportunities.”

The provincial department provides transport services  – for R698 million a year – to over 71 000 learners, so the arrangement will bring relief to parents. 

Among them is Somerset West resident Yanelisa Ndukwana, whose child missed school when transport failed to arrive last week, said:  “My child goes to Methodist Primary and is too young to be using public transport. I was worried that if the strike continued, our children’s safety would be compromised,” she said.

SANSBOC-WC confirmed to EdDesk that its operators are continuing to provide scholar transport services, adding that tariffs for the fourth school quarter will also be adjusted in line with fuel price fluctuations.

The examination timetable, which extends until 5 November, kicks off with the Computer Applications Technology Practical on Tuesday.