The former Under-21 international has made 30 appearances for Super Rugby side Stormers and joins countrymen Greg Goosen, Ashley Wells and Corne Uys at Kingston Park.
"He is a great player who is really well respected in South Africa and we've sealed another top notch second row - he is a tremendous athlete," said head coach Alan Tait.
"It now gives us more options in there and it will obviously increase competition. I'm sure the boys will be happy when they find out that he is joining the club."
The 28-year-old, who is due to arrive in England on Monday, said: "I am really looking forward to the challenge of playing for the Falcons.
"The Falcons are an ambitious club that wants to go places and I am really pleased to have the opportunity to move to Newcastle.
"I definitely want to be involved in something big at the club."
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