Until last year, Mbilwi Secondary School in Thohayandou, Limpopo, didn't have proper toilets, never mind a library or laboratory.
Yet this rural school produces some of the best matric results in the country, particularly with regards to maths and science.
Mbilwi's class of 2007 not only had a 100 percent matric pass rate, but was one of the schools with more than 100 higher grade maths passes.
"The secret of our success is hard work on the part of teachers and pupils," said principal Nditsheni Ramugondo.
No one may take a subject on standard grade and teachers strive to complete the syllabus by August - which leaves ample time for revision before the final examinations.
After school closes each day, a further 80 minutes are set aside for supervised study.
The school also offers Saturday and winter holiday classes for those who need additional help or want to improve their marks.
Maths teacher Ronald Shikhitha said regular testing and the meticulous review of past question papers is the key to their success.
Thelma Tshilande, 17, who is in Grade 12 at the school, said competition among pupils is very high.
"But it's a good thing. We all work hard because we want to maintain Mbilwi's high standards."
Parent Ethel Shavani said the principal led by example.
"He's the first person to arrive in the morning and the last to leave in the afternoon," she said. - African Eye News Service