FARMERS UNION REPEATS THREAT TO BOYCOTT LOCAL ELECTIONS

PRETORIA Aug 24 Sapa

The Transvaal Agricultural Union on Thursday reiterated that it
would not take part in the November local government elections
unless farmers comprised half of regional councils.

TAU president Dries Bruwer said if this demand was not met,
farmers would have no say over their assets.

The TAU would attend talks with provincial premiers on Friday
"merely to inform them of our views".

Farmers would not be satisfied with anything less, Bruwer said.

"We trust that the premiers will come up with realistic
proposals. If we don't get 50 percent representation, the
negotiations will end in a deadlock."