Complaint: Comair branded as Kulula

I booked a return ticket from O.R Tambo to George on 26 July 2017 costing R1 462.98. On the morning of departure (12 October 2017), I planned my arrival to check in at 6:30am. Due to an accident on the R21, I arrived at the check in counter at 7:11am. I was refused check in and was told that check in time has been changed from 30min to 45min prior to departure. I was told to purchase a new ticket (at a cost of R2 439.60). Comair Ltd/ Kulula failed to communicate the change in check in time to me. I also feel that your employees displayed a lack of understanding and poor customer service by making me pay R2 439.60 for a new ticket. Comair Ltd/ Kulula clearly benefited out of this scenario by their lack of communication, having their employees overconforming to the rules (not treating their customer fairly). Will Comair Ltd/ Kulula grant me a refund or should I open a civil case in the small claims court?