Charlize Theron SLAMMED by South Africans for claiming Afrikaans is 'a dying language

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Charlize Theron has been slammed by fans in her native South Africa for branding  Afrikaans a 'dying language' and claiming only '44 people still speak it.'The Oscar-winning actress, 47, who was born in Benoni, Gauteng Province, sparked a social media backlash when she said on US podcast Smartless on Monday: 'There's about 44 people still speaking it [Afrikaans] - it's definitely a dying language, it's not a very helpful language.

The Monster star's comments quickly invoked ire from South Africans on social media, who branded her 'disrespectful' and accused her of making the comments to 'appease Hollywood.' Backlash: Charlize Theron has been slammed by fans in her native South Africa for branding Afrikaans a 'dying language' and claiming only '44 people still speak it' (pictured last month)One Twitter user wrote: 'Wow what a disrespectful comment to the millions of South Africans of all ages, races & stations in life that speak Afrikaans as their first language.'Maybe she needs to spend "real" time in all regions of SA not just glitz street.' Another wrote:  'Afrikaans has a strong association with apartheid.

This statement was made by Charlize Theron to appease Hollywood. I do not concur with her. As with all other languages, the Afrikaans language must be preserved.'A third typed: 'My dad fought way too hard to recognise Afrikaans and he challenged Blade Nzimande.

Family: The Oscar-winning actress, 47, who was born in Benoni, Gauteng Province, sparked a wave of social media when she said : 'There's about 44 people still speaking it [Afrikaans] - it's definitely a dying language, it's not a very helpful language (pictured with mother Gerda) Fury: The Monster star's comments quickly invoked ire from South Africans on.