Moving to the Netherlands as a South African can feel lonely at first. Everything is new, the people are direct, and nobody knows what a braai is. The good news: you’re far from alone. There are tens of thousands of South Africans here, and plenty of ways to find them.
Short answer: start with the South Africans in the Netherlands Facebook groups, visit the Zuid-Afrikahuis in Amsterdam, watch a Springbok match at the Lion’s Head, and keep an eye out for South African events like SAFFA Fest.
How many South Africans live in the Netherlands?
Quite a lot, and the number keeps growing. There were around 9,600 South Africans in the Netherlands in 1996, and more than 40,000 in 2023. So chances are there are more Saffas in your town than you think.
Facebook groups
For questions, tips, second-hand stuff and finding people, Facebook is still where most of the South African community in the Netherlands hangs out. Some of the bigger groups:
- South Africans in The Netherlands!!
- South Africans in Holland
- South Africans helping South Africans in The Netherlands
- South Africans in Netherlands Essentials Group
Search within a group before you post. Most questions, from finding a huisarts to where to buy boerewors, have been answered many times.
The Zuid-Afrikahuis, Amsterdam
The Zuid-Afrikahuis on the Keizersgracht is a culture and knowledge centre about South Africa, with the largest collection of South African literature in Europe. It’s open to anyone, not just researchers.
- A library with books in Afrikaans and about South Africa
- Literary events, lectures and debates
- Afrikaans language courses and a reading circle
- Exhibitions
Where: Keizersgracht 141-C, Amsterdam. The library is open on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, so check their website before you go.
Rugby
Nothing brings South Africans together like the Boks. Watching a match at the Lion’s Head in Amsterdam, an Irish pub or a local rugby club is one of the easiest ways to meet other South Africans. Here’s my guide on where to watch the Springboks in the Netherlands.
South African events
South African events are popping up more and more. In September 2026 the first SAFFA Fest Amsterdam took place at Oedipus in Amsterdam-Noord, with a braai, boerewors rolls, bunny chows, South African wine, music and a live rugby match. It was organised by The Lekker Network and Saffa Huis, so follow them to hear about future events. I also add events to the Events Calendar.
South African shops
South African shops aren’t just for biltong. Places like KuierKos in Bloemendaal and Die Spens in Amersfoort are small community hubs where you’ll often hear Afrikaans at the counter. Here’s where to buy South African food in the Netherlands.
Tips for building your circle
- Say yes to invitations, even if you’re tired. Most friendships start with a random braai.
- Mix with Dutch people too. Joining a sports club or vereniging is the classic Dutch way to make friends.
- Learn Dutch. Even a little goes a long way, and as an Afrikaans speaker you have a head start.
- Help the next person. Answer questions in the Facebook groups once you know the ropes.
FAQ
How many South Africans live in the Netherlands?
More than 40,000 as of 2023, and the community has been growing fast.
Where can I meet other South Africans in the Netherlands?
In the South Africans in the Netherlands Facebook groups, at the Zuid-Afrikahuis in Amsterdam, at rugby screenings, South African shops and events like SAFFA Fest.
Just arrived? Start with my Netherlands survival guide for South African expats.
