The Matzikama Local Municipality covers Lutzville, Ebenhaezer, Vredendal, Vanrhynsdorp, Doringbaai/Strandfontein and Klawer.
Pass by-laws - local laws and regulations about any of the functions they are responsible for. By-laws may not go against any national laws.
Approve budgets and development plans - every year a municipal budget must be passed that sets down how money will be raised and spent. The municipality must also approve the Integrated Development Plan (IDP).
Impose rates and other taxes, for example property tax.
Charge service fees for using municipal services like water, electricity, libraries, and so on.
Impose fines for people who break municipal by-laws, for example traffic fines or littering.
Borrow money - the council can take a loan for a development or other project and use municipal assets as surety.