The functions of traditional councils are to:

• Facilitate involvement of the traditional community in the development of a local government’s integrated development plan (See: Drawing Up an Integrated Development Plan)
• Support municipalities in identifying community needs
• Recommend interventions to government that will contribute to development and service delivery in the area controlled by the traditional council
• Participate in development programmes of municipalities and of the provincial and national spheres of government
• Promote indigenous knowledge systems for sustainable development
• Administer the affairs of the traditional community according to custom and tradition
• Assist, support and guide traditional leaders in the use of their powers and how they perform their functions
• Participate in the development of policy and legislation at local level
• Enter into service delivery agreements with municipalities regarding the provision of services to rural communities
• Promote the ideals of co-operative governance, integrated development planning, sustainable development and service delivery
• Warn the municipality about any danger that threatens the area or people living in a particular traditional council area
• Perform their duties and use their powers according to customary law in a way that is consistent with the Constitution.

Traditional councils have to be accountable to the provincial government by keeping proper financial records, by disclosing any gifts received and by following a prescribed code of conduct.