Venaani and members walk out of parliament

Venaani and members walk out of parliament Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) leader McHenry Venaani, followed by other members of the opposition party, have walked out of parliament refusing to discuss any the Urban and Regional Land Bill tabled by housing minister Sophia Shaningwa. Venaani reminded the Speaker Dr Peter Katjavivi that the House had earlier resolved to put discussions about land on hold until after land conference. Shaningwa however pleaded with the members not "throw the baby out with the bath water" and to instead take time to study the bill and make decisions on merit. "If it is found that the bill encroaches on issues of land reform then we can remove it. But let us not throw away the entire bill." The Land Conference that was scheduled for September this year was postponed indefinitely.

JEMIMA BEUKES