The Democratic Alliance (DA) is demanding answers from KwaZulu-Natal 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 said.

"Having fewer social workers is set to have a severe impact on service delivery. This, in a province plagued by social ills, including gender-based violence, teenage pregnancy, HIV Aids, drug and alcohol abuse, and natural disaster."

The DA is demanding 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 added that of the 1 735 employees, including social workers, supervisors, and managers, 11 have resigned since the beginning of April.

"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.

"We also shared with the committee that 11 social work practitioners were leaving the employ of the department due to various reasons," Khoza said.

She added that it was a normal turnover rate and that some of the resignations were employees who were retiring or "seeking greener pastures".

"In any event, the department has well-oiled machinery to ensure that the departure of personnel causes as little disturbance to the ability of the department to fulfil its mandate. This includes the initiation of the process to hire replacement social workers and, in the meantime, to rationalise work among the existing officials," she added.