News24 reports that the Democratic Alliance (DA) is demanding answers from KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Social Development MEC Nonhlanhla Khoza after the reported resignation of numerous social workers from the provincial department.

But Khoza says the allegations are "absolute lies" and that the party is "clutching at straws in order to tarnish the image of the department". According to the DA, the "exodus" of social workers was raised during a recent social development portfolio committee meeting. "The exodus comes at a time when the department is already experiencing challenges due to insufficient social workers on the ground. The situation also indicates a major problem within the department and a lack of measures being taken to mitigate ongoing issues," the DA claimed. The party has demanded to know how many social workers are in the province, how many have resigned and the department's plans to retain staff. But Khoza said the DA "twisted facts" to create "panic among the public". She reported that of the 1,735 employees, including social workers, supervisors, and managers, 11 had resigned since the beginning of April. Khoza said: “The conduct of the DA is highly irresponsible and deeply regrettable because there is absolutely no mass departure of social workers. What we shared with the portfolio committee was a normal report of human resources issues within the department.” She added that it was a normal turnover rate and that some of the resignations were employees who were retiring or "seeking greener pastures".

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Nicole McCain at News24

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