The Netherlands Embassy in South Africa has welcomed Amarins Gerlofsma as its new First Secretary for Political Affairs, bringing with her experience spanning migration and development, humanitarian assistance, human rights and bilateral trade.
Gerlofsma has joined the Embassy team in Pretoria as she begins a new chapter in her diplomatic career, with a focus on contributing to the Netherlands–South Africa bilateral relationship and advancing cooperation on areas of mutual interest.
From Kenya to South Africa
Gerlofsma arrives in South Africa following a posting in Kenya, where she developed experience in areas including bilateral trade. She also previously worked on migration and development, humanitarian aid and human rights.
Reflecting on her career, Gerlofsma described the opportunity to work in different fields as having taken her to many special places and provided her with valuable professional and personal experiences.
Her humanitarian work included visits to remote communities, while her work in the human rights field gave her the opportunity to engage with human rights defenders.
These experiences will now inform her work in South Africa as she takes on her new responsibilities in political affairs.
Looking Forward to Deepening Bilateral Relations
Speaking about her new role, Gerlofsma expressed enthusiasm about contributing to the longstanding bilateral relationship between the Netherlands and South Africa.
She highlighted the breadth of issues covered by the relationship, noting that it encompasses numerous areas of mutual interest.
“I’m very excited to contribute to our rich bilateral relationship that touches on so many different topics of mutual interest.”
Her diplomatic experience across several policy areas is expected to provide a valuable foundation as she engages with South African counterparts and other stakeholders during her posting.
A New Chapter in South Africa
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Gerlofsma also said she is looking forward to discovering South Africa and getting to know its people.
She has arrived in Pretoria with her husband and their one-year-old daughter. According to the Embassy, her daughter already has a particular fondness for giraffes — a passion that began in Kenya, where she was born and where Gerlofsma was previously posted.
Gerlofsma said she is equally excited to experience South Africa and its people during her time in the country.
Strengthening Netherlands–South Africa Relations
The arrival of a new First Secretary for Political Affairs comes as the Netherlands and South Africa continue to engage across a broad range of diplomatic and policy issues.
With experience in political affairs, migration and development, humanitarian assistance, human rights and bilateral trade, Gerlofsma brings a diverse portfolio of experience to her new position.
Her appointment adds another experienced diplomat to the Netherlands Embassy team in Pretoria and marks the beginning of a new chapter in her engagement with South Africa.
