Freek Robinson (born 17 November 1952) is a South African anchor, television presenter, and journalist. He is best known for hosting the SABC2 current affairs show Fokus.
Robinson presented the kykNET’s current affairs program, Robinson Regstreeks. He was the main anchor of eNuus. He is also a radio announcer.
| Freek Robinson | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Short Profile | |
| Full name: | Frederik Jacobus Robinson |
| Other name: | Freek Robinson |
| Born: | 17 November 1952 (age 70 years old) |
| Place of birth: | Pretoria |
| Nationality: | South African |
| Education: | Literature |
| Alma mater: | University of Pretoria |
| Occupation: | Journalist, broadcaster, presenter |
| Spouse: | Liza de Villiers |
| Children: | 5 |
Early Life
Freek Robinson was born Frederik Jacobus Robinson on 17 November 1952 in Pretoria in South Africa.
Education
Frederik matriculated at the Hendrik Verwoerd High School in 1970. He attended the University of Stellenbosch and obtained a Diploma in Business Management in 1993.
Freek holds a B.A. (Hons) in Literature from the University of Pretoria. He completed an Economic Literacy course at Wits University in 2006.
The presenter obtained an MPhil Journalism degree from the University of Stellenbosch in 2007. He specialized in Media Management.
Career
Freek Robinson worked as a political correspondent for the SABC in 1986. He flew to London for the post of European Correspondent for SABC News from 1988 to 1991.
When he returned to South Africa, Frederik started to work as an Anchor Presenter and CA Executive Producer for the SABC. He became the Manager of Television Current Affairs programs at the SABC in 1994.
Freek was the chair of the debate between Nelson Mandela and FW de Klerk in 1994. He started presenting Fokus Met Freek, which later became known as Fokus, in 1994.
The television personality was Manager of Public Affairs for SABC in 2006. He left SABC for a talk show host of the radio actuality program Praat Saam on Radio Sonde Grense (RSG) in 2007.
His contribution has earned him recognition and awards. He bagged the ATKV award for presenting the best radio actuality program. Freek went home with the 2009 ATKV media award.
Freek hosted the Human Rights Day special on SABC2 on 21 March 2008, called I Am South African.
In 2023, President Cyril Ramaphosa mentioned his name among those he expects to honor with national orders. The list contained thirty-five nominees, but three were removed.
Robinson says the President’s office hasn’t told him the reasons for withdrawing his nomination. A letter from the Presidency stated that his nomination would no longer get a consideration.
Personal Life
Freek Robinson married Liza de Villiers on 5 August 1994. They are proud parents of five children – two sons and three daughters.
Awards
| Year | Category | Award |
|---|---|---|
| 1992 | Best Television Presenter | Artes |
| 2008 | Best Radio Presenter – Actuality | ATKV |
| 1986 | Best News Actuality Executive Producer | Star Tonight |
| 1997 | Best Financial Journalist on Radio and Television | Sanlam |
| 2000 | Best Television Presenter | ATKV |
| 2006 | Best Current Affairs Television Presenter | SABC News |
| 2009 | Best Television Interviewer – Fokus | ATKV |
Filmography
- I Am South African as Host
- The Coconuts as TV Presenter