Frieda van Zyl was born in 1966, in Kimberley. After she matriculated she studied Graphic Art under Niky Daly and

 Hardy Botha at the University of Stellenbosch.

In 1986 she went on to study Fine Arts with Graphic Art as a major at Cape Technikon under Jan Vermeiren.

She achieved distinction in photography. In 1987 Frieda was chosen as one of three South African artists to exhibit in the

 Republic of China, at the Taiwanese Biannual.

Since then, Frieda took part in various exhibitions throughout South Africa.

Currently living in Philadelphia - Western Cape