The Centre for Water Resources Research was formed in 2012 out of a cohesive group of academics who have been active in research, teaching and capacity building related to hydrology and water resources research since 1984. The on-going importance and relevance of water resources related research and teaching and the sustained research output of the group provides the basis to formally establish a Centre of Excellence within the University of KwaZulu-Natal. The University of KwaZulu-Natal has a wide range of water related expertise and, in support of its vision to be the Premier University of African Scholarship, is actively involved in water related teaching, research and outreach activities throughout Africa and beyond.