The Kingdom of the Netherlands has welcomed Cornelieke Keizer as its new Consul General in Cape Town, marking the beginning of a new chapter in her diplomatic career and engagement with South Africa.
Keizer brings extensive international experience spanning Africa, the Middle East and Asia, with a professional background covering political and diplomatic relations, conflict and security, regional cooperation, migration and human rights.
In introducing herself in a recent post by the Netherlands Embassy and Consulate in South Africa, Keizer said she was looking forward to bringing her experience to her new role and getting to know South Africa, Cape Town and the people she will work with.
Extensive Experience Across Africa, the Middle East and Asia
Before arriving in Cape Town, Keizer served as coordinator for the Horn of Africa, where she worked on political and diplomatic relations, conflict and security, as well as regional cooperation.
Her earlier career also included work focused on women’s rights and gender equality, including multilateral diplomacy, women’s economic empowerment and support for women’s rights organisations.
Her professional journey has included positions within government, civil society and academia, providing her with experience across a wide range of international and development-related issues.
Keizer’s work has taken her across Africa, the Middle East and Asia, with a particular focus on areas including peace and security, international cooperation, migration and human rights.
Looking Forward to Working in Cape Town and Pretoria
As she begins her assignment in South Africa, Keizer said she is looking forward to becoming part of and working with the teams in Cape Town and Pretoria.
Her arrival comes with an appreciation for both the professional and cultural opportunities that South Africa offers. Outside her diplomatic work, Keizer describes herself as an avid reader of fiction and non-fiction and has an interest in art, cinema, theatre and opera.
She also enjoys outdoor activities, including running, swimming and hiking, while acknowledging her fear of heights.
Keizer has arrived in Cape Town with her husband, Mark, and their cat, Pip, who is expected to join them after completing health checks.
Strengthening Netherlands–South Africa Engagement
The arrival of a new Consul General provides an opportunity to further strengthen engagement between the Netherlands and South Africa across diplomatic, economic, cultural and people-to-people relations.
With her background in international cooperation, regional affairs, human rights and gender equality, Keizer brings a broad portfolio of experience to her new assignment.
As she settles into her role, her work is expected to contribute to continued engagement between the Netherlands, South Africa and partners across the region.
