MUNICIPALITIES in Mpumalanga have been rendered dysfunctional and the latest move by the provincial government to place Mkhondo municipality under administration- bears testimony to this.

MUNICIPALITIES in Mpumalanga have been rendered dysfunctional and the latest move by the provincial government to place Mkhondo municipality under administration- bears testimony to this.

Mkhondo municipality is the fourth to be placed under curatorship in two years. Others were Thaba Chweu municipality, Pixley ka Seme municipality and Mbombela municipality.

Even Premier David Mabuza has raised concerns about the general state of local government in the province.

This week he urged the department of co-operative governance and traditional affairs to make assessment of state of municipalities with a view to giving the necessary support.

But officials say this is just a drop in the ocean.

Provincial government spokesperson Ntime Skosana told Sowetan : "This is an indication of challenges around skills gaps in our municipalities, but while we acknowledge this it is equally important not to exaggerate or underestimate the extent of the challenge so that we might develop appropriate interventions as and when issues present themselves."

ANC spokesperson Paul Mbenyane said it was unfortunate that four municipalities are under administration. He said this was done in the spirit of "service delivery improvement", not to punish officials.