Rural schools in South Africa are often found on farms. These "farm schools" are usually erected by the farmer to educate the children of farm laborers. While officially public schools, farm schools are on private property and maintained through private funds. The history of farm schools is closely linked with the political history of South Africa. In 1987, 73 percent of all schools for Blacks were farm schools. The transition to democratic government and extensive educational changes implemented in 1996 resulted in an atmosphere of uncertainty. A study to determine the quality of the work-life of teachers on farm schools in South Africa during this period of change surveyed 60 teachers in 15 farm schools in 1 school district. Findings indicate that teachers in rural schools are generally satisfied with their circumstances and enjoy teaching; teachers are proud of their schools and have good relationships with students; teachers are proud to be teachers; there is a low level of frustration among teachers in rural schools; teachers in farm schools have a sense of belonging to a community; teachers seem to be satisfied with classroom size, physical facilities, and teacher-student ratios; support received by teachers from the principal is insufficient; principals do not play a big role in determining whether teachers experience the organizational climate as positive or negative; principals may experience uncertainty about their positions since the farmer owns the school and students are children of farm employees. (Contains 13 references.) (TD)