If you’re a student trying to get your head around Afrikaans, whether it’s to pass your next test or just to feel more confident in everyday conversations, then you’ve probably heard this advice: watch more films.

And it’s true. A great way to learn the language naturally is through popular Afrikaans movies, especially ones with strong performances by well-known stars. That’s where great Afrikaans actors come in!

The people behind these performances don’t just bring characters to life, they help you hear real Afrikaans being spoken in everyday (and not-so-everyday) situations. This is where tone, slang, pronunciation, and even a few inside jokes are made easier to understand. It’s no surprise that many Afrikaans language lessons now include scenes from films, or that a private Afrikaans tutor might recommend watching a local movie to improve your ear for the language. For more structured study, consider enrolling in Afrikaans classes.

From the veterans to the rising stars, let’s take a walk through South Africa’s film history and get to know the Afrikaans actors who’ve helped shape not just the industry, but how the language is experienced on screen.

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Legendary Actors Who Lit Up the Stage and Screen

Long before Netflix and Showmax, Afrikaans storytelling found a home on the stage and in early cinema. One of the true pioneers was Anna Neethling-Pohl, a name every student of theatre and Afrikaans culture should know.

She wasn’t just one of the first Afrikaans actresses - she was also a director, writer, and language advocate. Her deep love for the Afrikaans language helped pave the way for theatre productions and films that weren’t just translations of English works, but proudly local stories told in a proudly local voice.

Then there’s Marius Weyers, a household name thanks to his role in The Gods Must Be Crazy, one of the most internationally recognised South African films. But his career goes well beyond that. As one of South Africa’s legendary actors, Weyers has the ability to switch between Afrikaans and English, drama and comedy. He represents the kind of talent that reminds us why certain Afrikaans movies remain timeless. Weyers is someone who has truly shown the world that an Afrikaans actor can lead global blockbusters and still have the heart of a local storyteller.

The Golden Age of Afrikaans Cinema: Icons We Still Remember

As the local film industry grew in the 60s, 70s, and 80s, so did the number of Afrikaans actors who became fixtures in homes across the country. Wilna Snyman, for instance, delivered unforgettable performances on both the big screen and in soapies like Egoli. But it was her role in Fiela se Kind (1988) that left a lasting impression. Her emotional depth and powerful delivery helped make the film one of the most popular Afrikaans movies of its time. This one is still used in Afrikaans language lessons today.

Louw Verwey was another standout of the golden era. A classic leading man, Verwey brought charm and gravitas to every role, whether he was playing a hero, a father, or a troubled soul. Watching his films is a great way to hear the Afrikaans of earlier generations - slower, formal in tone, and rich in idiomatic phrases. It’s exactly the kind of exposure that supports students trying to develop a well-rounded ear for the language.

Today’s Stars: Bringing Afrikaans to Life for a New Generation

afrikaans language lessons
Learning through film can feel more like chatting with friends than memorising verbs - and that’s where it sticks. Image Source: Karolina Grabowska

As cinema evolved and Afrikaans storytelling entered the modern era, new faces stepped in to carry the torch. Few did it with as much heart as Shaleen Surtie-Richards. Her role as Fiela in Fiela se Kind is iconic, but her legacy goes far beyond that one film. From her long run on Egoli to stage roles that earned standing ovations, Shaleen wasn’t just a performer - she was a cultural force. Ask any teacher or tutor what makes her a standout among Afrikaans actors, and they’ll likely say it’s her warmth, her delivery, and her ability to make a scene feel real.

Meanwhile, Ivan Botha and Donnalee Roberts have become the darlings of Afrikaans romantic cinema. Through hits like Pad na Jou Hart, they’ve captured the hearts of younger audiences, blending humour, emotion, and modern dialogue in a way that makes these films ideal for learners. If you’re a student looking for Afrikaans movies to watch that are both enjoyable and also language-rich, anything featuring this pair is a good place to start. Their natural chemistry and everyday dialogue are a goldmine for students hoping to improve their conversational Afrikaans.

The best Afrikaans tutors available
Marjolein
5
5 (37 review/s)
Marjolein
R350
/R/h
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1st lesson free!
Melisa
5
5 (19 review/s)
Melisa
R170
/R/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Marié
5
5 (12 review/s)
Marié
R250
/R/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Johanné
4.9
4.9 (18 review/s)
Johanné
R150
/R/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Shaamielah
5
5 (26 review/s)
Shaamielah
R200
/R/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Colin
5
5 (12 review/s)
Colin
R200
/R/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Werner
5
5 (7 review/s)
Werner
R130
/R/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Laurette jessica
5
5 (19 review/s)
Laurette jessica
R180
/R/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Marjolein
5
5 (37 review/s)
Marjolein
R350
/R/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Melisa
5
5 (19 review/s)
Melisa
R170
/R/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Marié
5
5 (12 review/s)
Marié
R250
/R/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Johanné
4.9
4.9 (18 review/s)
Johanné
R150
/R/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Shaamielah
5
5 (26 review/s)
Shaamielah
R200
/R/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Colin
5
5 (12 review/s)
Colin
R200
/R/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Werner
5
5 (7 review/s)
Werner
R130
/R/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Laurette jessica
5
5 (19 review/s)
Laurette jessica
R180
/R/h
Gift icon
1st lesson free!
Let's go!

Afrikaans Talent on the International Stage

It’s one thing to make it big in local cinema but it’s another to break through globally. Yet, several Afrikaans actors have done just that, proving that local talent can compete on any stage.

Arnold Vosloo is one of the legendary actors who has done just that. You might recognise him as the villain in The Mummy series, but his journey started right here in South Africa. Rooted in theatre and Afrikaans drama, Vosloo’s career is a reminder that strong foundations (even like those built through Afrikaans language lessons) can lead anywhere.

Charlbi Dean, a rising star taken far too soon, made international headlines with her role in Triangle of Sadness, which won the top prize at the Cannes Film Festival. Dean’s success was not just a win for South African cinema, but also a proud moment for fans. Her global recognition brought even more attention to the growing list of talented Afrikaans actresses.

The Future Is Bright: Meet the Next Generation of Afrikaans Stars

While it’s important to honour the legends, there’s something exciting about seeing new talent emerge. Today, a fresh wave of Afrikaans actors is redefining what it means to perform in this language. Many come from drama schools, others from TikTok or YouTube - but what they all share is a passion for storytelling, and a connection to culture.

You might not recognise all their names yet, but keep an eye on actors appearing in KykNET dramas, indie films, or local theatre festivals. These are the voices and faces that will shape the future of popular Afrikaans movies - and they’re speaking in a way that feels current, relatable, and real. It’s the kind of language you hear in daily life, which makes it perfect for learners like you. Some Afrikaans language lessons are even beginning to include short clips from these rising stars to teach slang, social commentary, and modern expressions.

If you’ve ever sat in class wondering how to actually use Afrikaans outside of school, start with a film starring one of these up-and-comers. It’ll feel more like chatting with friends than memorising verbs - and that’s where real learning happens.

afrikaans language lessons
Watching legendary actors in action is one of the most effective, enjoyable ways to supplement your Afrikaans language lessons. Image Source: Silver K Black, Pexels

Learning From the Legends: Film as a Language Teacher

So, what can we learn from all of this?

That every legendary actor, every rising star, and every powerful performance has something to teach. These renowned Afrikaans actresses on screen are not just entertainment – rather they are language teachers in disguise! Why? Because you’re hearing pronunciation, tone, emotion, and structure, all wrapped in a compelling story.  

Many Afrikaans language lessons are beginning to move away from just textbook learning. A good teacher - or a private Afrikaans tutor - might suggest building a mini “movie curriculum” where you watch one film a week, jot down useful phrases, and even try to mimic how the actors say their lines. Try it. For extra flexibility, consider Afrikaans online lessons.

It’s fun, it’s immersive, and it works.

Whether it’s an emotional monologue by Shaleen Surtie-Richards, a romantic moment between Ivan Botha and Donnalee Roberts, or a dramatic scene from Arnold Vosloo, every line becomes a lesson. And when you hear it in context, it sticks - far more than any list of vocabulary words ever could.

Ready to Press Play on Learning?

From pioneers like Anna Neethling-Pohl to today’s international stars, these Afrikaans actors have done more than entertain - they’ve helped shape how Afrikaans is heard, understood, and loved. Watching their films is one of the most effective, enjoyable ways to supplement your Afrikaans language lessons, whether you’re working on your own, with a teacher, or using a private Afrikaans tutor.

So next time you sit down for a study session, consider switching on a local film instead. You’ll be surprised at how much you can pick up - and how quickly your confidence grows.    

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Niki Jackson

Niki is a content writer from Cape Town, South Africa, who is passionate about words, strategic communication and using words to help create and maintain brand personas. Niki has a PR and marketing background, but her happiest place is when she is bringing a story to life on a page.