ANC spy network trailing opposition leader Helen Zille.

Premier Helen Zille alleges that a network of staff in her provincial administration is still loyal to the ANC and is out to "embarrass" her.

In the latest drama to rock the new DA-led Western Cape government, Zille stopped short of confirming the "spy" allegations doing the rounds.

She would say only that the network was hard at work trying everything possible to soil the reputation of her new government.

Since becoming premier, Zille's clashes with the ANC and the ANC Youth League have made headline news. In addition, she has taken serious flak over her appointment of an all-male cabinet.

She revealed that she had been given a detailed briefing last week on a network of ANC-loyal staff across the provincial government's departments.

"There is a network of staff who report directly to the ANC," Zille said, adding that she knew "exactly who's involved, (and) where they are sitting".

She had even been provided with an organogram showing precisely how the alleged network fitted together.

But Zille denied there was anything "paranoid or conspiratorial" about the news.

"Information was simply passed on to us, in great detail. We were given a full briefing."

On the purpose of the network, Zille said the plan was to "embarrass us, using their political and media networks".

But Zille said she would not be naming names.

She had "no intention of disclosing the identities of any members of the alleged ANC network".

However, the Cape Argus has learnt independently that one key senior staffer, whose loyalty may be in question, is a top communications aide to former Premier Ebrahim Rasool.

In response to the allegations, ANC spokesperson Garth Strachan said of Zille: "Setting up a network to do spying and information-gathering would be illegal and she should report any illegal activity to the police."

Zille should, more than anyone else, "know how inflammatory allegations of illegal information-gathering are - given the Erasmus Commission".

Meanwhile, another communications officer, spokesperson to outgoing premier Lynne Brown, has already been told that her services are no longer required at the provincial administration.

The Cape Argus understands that 11 staffers who served under Brown and her political colleagues will leave the administration as their contracts are officially tied to the terms of their political masters.

See also - ANC sets up spy network in Western Cape