- Culinary icon Fatima Sydow was laid to rest on Wednesday 20 December, following her passing on Tuesday evening.
- Her Janazaa took place at 11:00 at Taronga Road Mosque in Crawford, followed by her burial at the Observatory cemetery.
- Sydow had battled soft tissue sarcoma since 2020 and passed away peacefully at Vincent Pallotti Hospital, surrounded by her immediate family.
Culinary icon Fatima Sydow was laid to rest on Wednesday 20 December, following her passing on Tuesday evening.
In a statement by her family, her passing was confirmed on social media on Tuesday 19 December.
Her Janazaa took place at 11:00 at Taronga Road Mosque in Crawford, followed by her burial at the Observatory cemetery.
Sydow had battled soft tissue sarcoma since 2020 and passed away peacefully at Vincent Pallotti Hospital, surrounded by her immediate family.
In August, she requested financial aid from her supporters.
“Over the past three years I have been grappling with soft tissue sarcoma cancer,” she said.
“This challenging path has led me through a series of treatments and surgeries, each taking its toll on my physical and emotional well-being, As I reflect on this journey I have come to a point where I must acknowledge that the battle has become overwhelming, leaving me unable to continue working. It’s a difficult realisation, one that requires me to seek support of others to sustain the fight that still lies ahead.”
Sydow was renowned for her hit TV show, Kaap, Kerrie en Koesisters and several published cookbooks, sharing her love for cooking and Cape Malay heritage.
The Provincial Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Anroux Marais, was among those sharing their condolences.
“The sun will shine a little less brightly after Fatima lost her battle, so bravely fought, against soft tissue sarcoma, which has robbed the Western Cape of one of its most beloved residents,” she said. “Her recipes were often short and simple enough for anyone to attempt. Yet the end product, often with Cape Malay flair, would always be so spectacular.
“To Fatima Sydow’s family and loved ones, thank you for supporting her so she could share her gift with all of us. She made her mark and will be sorely missed by all those who knew and cared for her. Her life and work will live on through her recipes. I send my most heartfelt condolences and hope that you will find peace and strength during this difficult time.”
Sydow celebrated her 50th birthday on 12 November.
“As a family we express our deepest gratitude for the outpouring of love and support during this challenging time,” the family said in the statement.
