The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) on Thursday accused the African National Congress (ANC) of appointing compromised members to senior positions.

This comes after former department head of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development Nokuthula Khanyile was appointed to the provincial AgriBusiness Development Agency as acting CEO.

She is being investigated by the Hawks for alleged corruption.

Deputy director-general at KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education Advocate Bheki Masuku will be acting department head at the Department of Social Development.

IFP chief whip in the KZN Legislature Blessed Gwala said KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala was promoting corruption and rewarding incompetency, proving that he was not serious about tackling corruption.

“We cannot allow our public enterprises to become a revolving door for failed ANC cadres. They are not dumping grounds for failed and corrupt ANC cadres. We need professional and capable people to make sure that provincial government departments and entities are run smoothly by qualified and competent people,” Gwala said.

The IFP alleged that the Premier was unable to take action against Khanyile owing to “secret agreements and covert operations made between the two of them”.

Gwala said KwaZulu-Natal needs an efficient and professional public service, adding that cadre deployment has undermined the ability of government to deliver quality services, and has been used as a smoke-screen, behind which corruption is allowed.