As South Africa continues its efforts to make education more accessible, the government has launched a new initiative to assist families battling the high cost of getting their children to school. Starting August 1, a monthly school transport subsidy of R870 per child will be made available to qualifying households. This support measure is aimed at easing the financial burden on low-income families and promoting consistent school attendance, especially in areas where public transport is either unaffordable or unreliable.
Why the Transport Subsidy Matters
With transport fees often consuming a significant part of household income, especially in rural and outlying communities, the new R870 monthly subsidy is expected to bring much-needed relief. It also supports the Department of Basic Education’s broader mission: to improve attendance, reduce dropout rates, and close the education access gap between urban and rural learners.
By covering transport costs, the government hopes to eliminate one of the biggest barriers to education the journey to school itself.
Who Qualifies for the R870 School Transport Subsidy?
The subsidy isn’t open to everyone. It is specifically designed for learners who meet the following key requirements:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Household Income | Family must fall within a low-income bracket (as determined by government thresholds). |
| Type of School | The learner must be enrolled in a public school. |
| Residential Distance | Child must live a minimum distance away from the school, where walking or daily commuting is impractical. |
| Citizenship | Applicant and child must be South African citizens. |
| Transport Dependency | The child must rely on daily transport and not receive similar support from any other program. |
Documents Required to Apply
Before applying, parents or guardians must gather all necessary documentation. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Certified copy of the applicant’s ID
- Certified copy of the child’s birth certificate
- Proof of income (recent payslip, SASSA letter, or sworn affidavit if unemployed)
- Proof of residence (municipal bill or signed letter from a local authority)
- School enrollment letter from the current academic year
How to Apply for the School Transport Subsidy
Applications officially open on August 1, 2025, and can be submitted in two ways:
1. In-Person at Local Education or Municipal Offices
- Collect and fill out the subsidy application form.
- Submit it along with the required certified documents.
- Keep a stamped copy of your submission for future reference.
2. Online via Government Services Portal
- Visit the Department of Basic Education’s official website or your provincial education portal.
- Register or log in with your ID number.
- Upload scanned certified documents.
- Submit the form before the application window closes.
Important: Late or incomplete applications may be rejected. Ensure all documents are recent and properly certified.
Expected Benefits of the R870 Subsidy
This initiative goes beyond mere financial aid — it’s about building a stronger, more inclusive education system. The positive effects could be widespread:
| Area | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Attendance | More students arriving at school on time and regularly |
| Academic Progress | Improved focus and performance, especially in underserved areas |
| Equity | Levelling the playing field between urban and rural learners |
| Parental Relief | Reduced daily stress and financial pressure on families |
FAQs
Q1: Can I apply if my child attends a private school?
A: No. The subsidy is only available for learners attending registered public schools.
Q2: Will I receive the money directly?
A: The subsidy is either paid to a registered transport provider or in the form of a transport voucher. It cannot be used for any other purpose.
Q3: What if I move or change schools?
A: You must notify the local education office immediately. A change in address or school may affect eligibility.
Q4: Can I appeal a rejected application?
A: Yes. If your application is declined, you can submit an appeal with additional or corrected documents.
Final Thoughts
The launch of the R870 School Transport Subsidy is a strong step forward in making education more accessible for thousands of South African children. By removing the financial hurdle of daily transport, the government is helping to ensure that distance and poverty do not determine a child’s educational future.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to apply promptly and take full advantage of this opportunity to support their children’s learning journey.
