<p>Groundwater monitoring and management is becoming increasingly important in South Africa. This essay critically reviews the regulations of the South African National Water Act in the context of groundwater investigation, monitoring and management. The complexity of South African aquifers and groundwater management challenges are presented together with advances in policy development. The articles contained in this topical collection contribute to the verification of new techniques and ways forward to assist South Africa’s progress in groundwater investigation, monitoring and management.</p>