Well-renowned cookbook author and television personality Fatima Sydow has passed away on Tuesday.
The news was confirmed in a statement issued by her family on the Fatima Sydow Cooks Facebook page.
The statement read: “It is with deep sadness that we, the Sydow Family, announce the passing of our beloved sister, Fatima Sydow. As a renowned culinary artist and beloved personality, she has left an indelible mark on the culinary world.
“As a family, we express our deepest gratitude for the outpouring of love and support during this challenging time,” the statement continued.
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The 50-year-old, who was well known for her distinctive Cape Malay recipes, had been battling with soft tissue sarcoma since 2020.
“Soft tissue sarcoma refers to cancer that begins in the muscle, fat, fibrous tissue, blood vessels, or other supporting tissue of the body,” explains Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
Although it can often be found anywhere in the body, it usually forms in the arms, legs, chest, or abdomen.
Throughout her journey battling the illness, she has continued providing her followers with regular updates of her progression of her journey.
Fatima first rose to prominence after initiating her Facebook Page in 2011. Her recipes eventually became so popular that she later launched her inaugural book, “The journey Cape Malay cooking with Fatima Sydow.” This book was one which resonated with a diverse audience both young and old, and in turn landed her and her twin sister their own cooking show, Kaap, Kerrie & Koesisters, on the Afrikaans channel VIA.
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Not only was this a show that propelled her career going forward, but the stories she shared about family, heritage and culture appealed to a diverse South African audience, resulting in a six-season run.
Since then, Fatima has released numerous cookbooks, some of which includes Kaap, Kerrie & Koesisters, Fatima Sydow Cooks and Fatima Sydow Cape Malay Cooking – My Story, My Heritage.
Meanwhile, another statement revealed that Fatima will be laid to rest on Wednesday, 20 December.
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