South Africa, like many other countries, faces ongoing chemical water pollution challenges, intricately linked to its industrialization journey. This challenge is exacerbated by constrained water resource availability and the impacts of climate change, limiting the dilution capacity. The extent of water resources pollution by contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) and its impacts on humans, and ecosystems health is a complex and evolving area of high research interest, not only in South Africa but worldwide. This chapter presents a historical reflection of the evolving landscape of South Africa’s chemical water pollution research, navigating the shift from legacy chemical pollutants to contaminants of emerging concern (CECs). Additionally, this chapter presents a comprehensive account of the state of research and knowledge on the sources, distribution and potentials risks associated with exposure to CECs in South African water systems. This is followed by an examination of the critical issues surrounding the management of CECs in water in South Africa by highlighting the successes achieved and challenges that remain in addressing water pollution issues related to CECs. This analysis is based on the nation's 20 years proactive and progressive research on CECs. The chapter concludes by outlining future directions for research and the need for leveraging opportunities, interdisciplinary collaboration, effective communication, being adaptable to the changing environment, and a commitment to evidence-based decision-making.