Classrooms constructed of plastic and poles. 4 grades to a classroom. Teachers playing truant for 7 years without being disciplined. No running water, electricity or proper toilets. Pupils walking 22km to school. No funding from provincial departments.

This is not happening in the remote outback of some third world country, but in our own backyard, 10 years after the water-shed democratic elections of 1994.

The 1996 Schools Act of South Africa determines that contracts need to be signed between farm owners and provincial MEC's of Education. These contracts determine the responsibilities of farmers and departments toward farm schools.

8 years later, a mere 50% of these contracts have been signed. Farmers say they do what they can for schools on their property, but are not willing to do more unless government signs the contracts. The national Department of Education passes the buck to provincial departments.

Whether farmers or education officials are to blame, the rural youth of this country bears the consequences.

Producer Karin d'Orville and cameraman Gerhard Botes visit rural schools in the Free State and Limpopo.