Prof Van der Merwe was born in Pretoria on 24 Augustus 1944. He matriculated in 1962 at the Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool, Pretoria. He completed his studies at the University of Pretoria and attained the following degrees: BA (1965), BD (1968) BA(HONS: Classical languages) 1969 and a DD degree in 1978 with a dissertation entitled “Die Godsdienste by Vaticanum II” (The Religions at Vatican II).

He was ordained as minister in the Netherdutch Reformed Church in 1970 and served in the following congregations: Premiermine and Witfontein. From 1971 till 1978 he worked as senior lecturer in Science of Religion at the University of South Africa (UNISA). In 1979 he was appointed at the University of Pretoria as senior lecturer in the Department of Science of Religion and Missiology where he retired as head of department in 2009.

Prof Van der Merwe will especially be remembered for his sharp intellect and hard work. He played a leading role in the management of the process of unification of the two faculties of Theology (Section A and B) at UP. He was also responsible for the process of re-curriculum and restructuring of courses in the faculty of Theology. He was known as a scholar knowledgeable in world religions and especially new religious movements.

He married Riekie van der Walt in 2010. He leaves behind his wife, mother and three sisters.