Tensions erupted in the National Assembly on Tuesday after Swapo Party MP Sophia Shaningwa was accused of using offensive language during a heated exchange in the chamber.

The disruption occurred shortly after IPC MP Abed Hishoono gave notice of a question directed to the Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture, Sanet Steenkamp, regarding an alleged political gathering at Haimbili Haufiku Senior Secondary School. According to Hishoono, the incident occurred in June when students were attending holiday classes and allegedly involved a political rally on the school premises.

He cited Sections 22(1) and 22(2) of the Education Act 3 of 2020, which prohibit political activities on school grounds, and questioned whether the ministry was aware of the incident and what measures were being taken.

However, the session was soon overshadowed when IPC MP Immanuel Nashinge raised a point of order, claiming that Shaningwa had used the phrase 'F.U.' during the proceedings.

In response, Shaningwa firmly denied the accusation.

“I have never pronounced the word ‘F.U.’ I never act in your head. Because that is the type of your behaviour, that’s why you have those types of things. And when you are living in a stone house, you must forget throwing stones.”

The exchange triggered commotion in the chamber, prompting the Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, to intervene and restore order by requesting members to take their seats. She stated that no ruling would be made without verified evidence and confirmed that the matter would be referred to Hansard for review.

Despite the brief disruption, the session continued.