5.16 Farmers Union of Alfred Nzo District Municipality: Public participation was a major shortcoming of the Municipality. Commonality on the issues raised pertained to decisions taken without involvement of the community; lack of transparency in issues of engagement with the community; Councillors not reporting or doing their constituency role. The Farmers Union further raised concerns about distance challenges, for example, Ward 1 was in Matatiele and Ward 4 being at the end of Umzimvubu. That black farmers were not consulted or recognized by the Municipality.