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The back-rower arrived in Scotland over the weekend after helping the Pumas reach the Currie Cup final in South Africa, and will now begin settling into life with the Warriors.
Van der Merwe admits he initially struggled to believe there was interest from Glasgow when his agent first raised the possibility of a move.
"I was looking to further my rugby career and I was chatting to my agent. He told me 'listen, Glasgow Warriors might be interested'.
"I thought, 'okay, sure, whatever you say'.
"I didn't believe him at the time. He phoned me within a few days and said Franco Smith was going to call me so if I saw a UK phone number, please answer.
"I spoke to coach Franco, and the rest is history."
It was not the first time Van der Merwe's path had crossed with Smith.
The pair were both at the Cheetahs around a decade ago, when Smith was in charge and Van der Merwe was progressing through the club's junior ranks.
"I never really had him as a coach, but I did know who he is, and later on, I played with his eldest son, Franco junior, in South Africa.
"I'm really looking forward to being coached by him, especially as he's looking to better your areas that need work, not only working on already the positives."
Van der Merwe also spoke to former Warrior Henco Venter, a member of Glasgow's 2024 BKT United Rugby Championship-winning squad, before making the move.
"I just asked him about life in Scotland, not necessarily all about rugby – it was more about practical stuff like houses and which bank to use.
"He's exact words were 'it's the best decision you can take for your rugby, especially with coach Franco there, but he said you'll enjoy Scotland as well.
"I also spoke to Nathan McBeth and his wife reached out to my wife Nicole."
Van der Merwe and his wife welcomed their first child earlier this year, with the 27-year-old grateful for the support the family has already received from the Warriors.
"I spoke to coach Franco and asked when he wants me to come to Glasgow. He said 'come as quickly as you can but take your time to find your feet and make sure your family is OK.
"I've really appreciated that from him. I believe he's a real family man. So giving me the opportunity just to find my feet before really getting stuck into training and playing. And I must say the players' wives from the Warriors have been really kind.
"They've all reached out to Nicole and said if we have any practical needs, they'll be more than willing to help.
"It's been a real blessing to us that the ladies have reached out and everyone seems to be really friendly and willing to help."
The back-rower will now begin working with Smith and his coaching team as he builds towards his first appearance in Glasgow colours.
"When I was speaking to coach Franco, he said that I'll first maybe do a bit of conditioning because the game is so much quicker and you'll have to get used to the artificial pitch.
"I think I'll be doing that before really getting stuck in with the team, but it looks like there's a good culture among the boys.
"It'll be easy to fit in and to see where the team needs me."
Van der Merwe has predominantly operated at number eight during his career, but is comfortable across the back-row and says he is ready to contribute wherever required.
"I can play six, seven or eight - primarily, I've always played number eight but I'm comfortable on the side of the scrum as well.
"Coach Franco asked me if I can play lock as well.
"I told him 'coach, if I'm needed to play wing, I'll play wing. As long as I get game time, I'll be happy'."
The South African joins Jamie Ritchie among the new additions to Glasgow's back-row options for 2026/27, following Jack Dempsey's departure during the summer.
Van der Merwe believes the move from the Currie Cup to the BKT URC represents the next stage of his development.
"The thing with rugby is you need to be able to step up to the next level.
"So obviously coming from the Currie Cup, you're looking for that next step, that next challenge and being able to adapt to that challenge and giving your best.
"I won't be an exact blueprint of Jack Dempsey, but I do believe I'll bring my own spin to the game."
For now, Van der Merwe's focus is on establishing himself with the Warriors and adapting to the demands of the BKT URC.
The forward could also represent Namibia through his father, while a longer-term route to Scotland eligibility could potentially emerge during his time at Scotstoun.
Van der Merwe said: "Getting a feel for the URC at first is my next goal, but I do think that one day I am able to play international rugby.
"I think there's more water that needs to go underneath the bridge for me to develop as a player, but long-term, for now, I'm taking this three years [contract] in Scotland, building up as much experience as I can.
"I believe that the Warriors will take me to the next level and we'll take it from there.
"For now, I've got no further, further ambitions as in playing for Scotland, maybe one day, but we'll see how far it goes."