The powers and functions assigned to the Phumelela Local Municipality are stipulated in sections 156 and 229 of the Constitution and Sections 83 and 84 of the Local Government: Municipal Structures Act, 1998. More specifically, the powers and functions of the municipality relating to Section 84 of the said Act were promulgated in Provincial Notice No 2 dated 14 January 2003 and are as follows:

• Notice of Authorization of Functions & Powers of Municipalities, 2003
• Section 84 (1) (e) Solid waste disposal sites
• Section 84 (1) (f) Municipal roads
• Section 84 (1) (j) Fire fighting services
• Section 84 (1) (l) Cemeteries and crematoria
• Section 84 (1) (n) Municipal public works relating to any of the above functions