By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Western Cape Cultural Affairs and Sport MEC, Anroux Marais, says the sun will shine a little less brightly after Fatima Sydow lost her battle, so bravely fought, against soft tissue sarcoma, which has robbed the Western Cape of one of its most beloved residents.
The family of renowned Cape Town chef and ‘Cape Malay Cooking’ author Fatima Sydow announced her passing after a long battle with cancer.
A statement on her Facebook page said Sydow died peacefully in hospital, surrounded by her immediate family.
She had been battling soft tissue sarcoma for about three years.
Marais said Sydow would be missed by everyone she touched with her warm personality, including the many fans of her hit TV show, Kaap, Kerrie en Koesisters.
The MEC thanked Sydow’s family and loved ones for supporting her so that she might share her gift with the nation.
“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,” Marais said.
Sydow is a renowned culinary artist and beloved personality known for her exceptional culinary skills, infectious enthusiasm and warm personality.
The cook was born on 12 November 1973 to Abduraghmaan and the late Waseela (nee Davids) Sydow on the Cape Flats in Cape Town.
“Her culinary odyssey commenced at the tender age of nine, standing alongside her mother, peeling potatoes, and cutting onions.
“Inspired by her mother’s ability to perform culinary miracles with few ingredients; creating dishes that generously fed many hungry stomachs, Fatima found the spark that would ignite her own culinary journey,” said Marais.
In 2015, she published a book, The Journey of Cape Malay Cooking with Fatima Sydow.
She subsequently published three more books, Cape, Curry & Koesisters, Fatima Sydow Cooks, and My Story, My Heritage.
Renowned cookbook author and local TV personality Sydow was laid to rest at Mowbray Cemetery in Cape Town on Wednesday.