Fatima Sydow (born November 8, 1973 – died 19 December 2023, Aged: 50 years old) is a culinary luminary hailing from South Africa, who has left an indelible mark on the hearts of her audience through her radiant positivity. The charismatic chef soared to fame as the star of “Kaap, Kerrie en Koesisters,” a beloved cooking show that captivated viewers for six successful seasons. In this article, we will explore the life and achievements of Fatima, as well as some personal details about her husband, kids, age, wiki, family, net worth, death, and more.
A Passion for Food and Family
Sydow was born in 1974 in Manenberg, a suburb of Cape Town, where she grew up in a large and loving family. She discovered her love and passion for food at a very young age, thanks to her late mother, who was a very good cook and caterer. Fatima helped her mother in the kitchen, learning how to make delicious dishes for big functions and weddings. She made her first 100-litre pot of curry at the age of 16 and has been sharing her popular recipes ever since.
Fatima moved to Mitchells Plain and then to Strandfontein Village, where she met and married her husband, Ebrahim Sydow, in 1994. They have four children together: Aisha, Zainab, Yusuf and Muhammad. Fatima describes her husband as her best friend and biggest supporter, who encouraged her to pursue her dreams of becoming a chef and author. She also credits her children for inspiring her to create new recipes and dishes.
Fatima Sydow Wiki/Bio
| Name | Fatima Sydow |
| Date of Birth | November 8, 1973 |
| Place of Birth | Manenberg, Cape Town, South Africa |
| Date of Death | December 19, 2023 |
| Place of Death | Cape Town, South Africa |
| Cause of Death | Breast cancer |
| Nationality | South African |
| Ethnicity | Cape Malay |
| Religion | Islam |
| Occupation | Chef, TV host, author |
| Spouse | Ebrahim Sydow |
| Children | Aisha, Zainab, Yusuf and Muhammad |
| Siblings | Gadija Sydow Noordien (twin sister) and others |
| Net Worth | $1 million (estimated) |
| Social Media Profiles | Instagram: fatima_sydow_cooks Facebook: fatimasydowcooks LinkedIn: fatima-sydow-1a4a86196 Youtube: @FatimaSydowCooks Website: fatimasydow.co.za |
| Homepage | newsunzip.com |
A Social Media Sensation
Fatima started her Facebook page, Cape Malay Cooking with Sydow, in 2011, where she posted photos and videos of her mouthwatering dishes, along with step-by-step instructions and tips. She soon gained a loyal following of fans from all over the world, who loved her authentic and easy-to-follow recipes, as well as her warm and friendly personality. She later changed her social media handles to Fatima Cooks, to reflect her diverse culinary repertoire, which includes more than just Cape Malay cuisine.
Fatima also launched her website, YouTube channel, and Instagram account, where she continued to share her passion for food and family. She also interacted with her followers, answering their questions, giving them advice, and thanking them for their support. She often said that her fans were like her extended family, and she loved to make them happy with her food.
A TV Star and Author
Fatima’s popularity on social media caught the attention of the producers of Via TV, a lifestyle channel on DStv. They offered her a chance to host her cooking show, along with her twin sister, Gadija Sydow Noordien. The show, titled Kaap, Kerrie en Koesisters, debuted in 2017 and became an instant hit. The show featured Fatima and Gadija cooking traditional and modern dishes while sharing stories and anecdotes about their culture, family, and life. The show also showcased the beauty and diversity of Cape Town and its people.
Fatima and Gadija also co-authored two cookbooks, based on their show. The first one, Cape, Curry & Koeksisters, was published in 2018 and featured over 90 recipes, along with stunning photographs and personal stories. The second one, The Journey of Cape Malay Cooking, was published in 2019 and featured over 100 recipes, along with more insights and anecdotes. Both books were well-received by the public and critics alike and became bestsellers in South Africa.
Nationality, Ethnicity and Religion
Fatima Sydow was a South African citizen, born and raised in Cape Town. She belonged to the Cape Malay ethnic group, which is a term used to describe the descendants of enslaved people brought to the Cape from various parts of Asia, such as Indonesia, India, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka, during the 17th and 18th centuries. The Cape Malay people have a rich and diverse culture, influenced by their Asian, African, and European heritage. They are known for their distinctive cuisine, music, art, and language.
Fatima Sydow was a Muslim by religion and followed the teachings of Islam with devotion and respect. She often shared her faith with her followers, posting verses from the Quran, prayers, and messages of peace and love. She also observed the Islamic rituals and festivals, such as Ramadan, Eid, and Hajj. She was proud of her identity as a Cape Malay Muslim woman and celebrated her culture and faith with joy and gratitude.
Net Worth and Income Sources
Sydow’s net worth at the time of her death was estimated to be around $1 million, which she earned from her successful career as a chef, TV host, and author. She also donated a portion of her income to various charities and causes, especially those related to women and children. She was known for her generosity and compassion, and her willingness to help others in need.
Sydow’s main sources of income were her cooking show, Kaap, Kerrie en Koesisters, which aired on Via TV for six seasons, and her three cookbooks, Cape, Curry & Koesisters, The Journey of Cape Malay Cooking, and Fatima Sydow Cooks, which sold thousands of copies in South Africa and abroad.
She also earned money from her social media platforms, where she had millions of followers, and her website, where she sold her merchandise, such as aprons, mugs, t-shirts, and spices. She also did catering and events, where she showcased her culinary skills and delighted her guests with her food and personality.
Death Cause
Fatima died on December 19, 2023, at the age of 50, after a long and courageous fight against cancer. She was diagnosed with Soft Tissue Sarcoma in December 2020, a rare type of cancer that develops in the soft tissues of the body, such as muscles, fat, blood vessels, nerves, and tendons. She underwent surgery to remove the tumor from her left foot, followed by radiation therapy. She shared her cancer journey with her followers and remained positive and hopeful throughout her treatment.
However, in July 2023, she revealed that her cancer had advanced to stage 4, and had spread to other parts of her body, including her brain and arm. She continued to receive treatment, but her condition worsened over time. She was admitted to the hospital in November 2023, where she received palliative care and support from her family and friends. She passed away peacefully on December 12, 2023, surrounded by her loved ones. Her death was announced by her family on her social media pages and was met with an outpouring of grief and tributes from her fans and admirers.
Fatima is married to Ebrahim Sydow, whom she met in 2008 and married in 2011. Ebrahim is a businessman and a motivational speaker, who supports Fatima in her career and helps her with her social media platforms. They live in Lansdowne, a suburb of Cape Town, with their four children: Aisha, Zainab, Yusuf, and Muhammad. Fatima is also a grandmother of two: Aaliyah and Zara.
Fatima is very close to her twin sister Gadija, who is also a chef and an author. They have co-written two cookbooks, Cape, Curry & Koesisters and My Cape Malay Kitchen, which feature their family recipes and stories. They also have a YouTube channel, Fatima and Gadija Sydow, where they post videos of their cooking adventures and challenges. Fatima and Gadija share a strong bond and a sense of humor, and often tease each other and finish each other’s sentences.
Fatima is also a devout Muslim, who follows the teachings and practices of Islam. She prays five times a day, fasts during Ramadan, and performs charity work. She also celebrates Islamic festivals, such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, with her family and friends. She credits her faith for giving her strength, guidance, and peace in her life.
A Legacy of Love and Joy
Fatima Sydow was more than just a chef and a celebrity. She was a role model, a mentor, a friend, and a mother to many. She touched the lives of millions of people with her food, her smile, her kindness, and her generosity. She was a proud ambassador of her culture and heritage and a champion of women’s empowerment and social justice. She was also a devout Muslim, who practiced her faith with sincerity and grace.
Sadly, Fatima Sydow passed away on December 12, 2023, at the age of 50, after a long battle with breast cancer. She was surrounded by her husband, children, siblings, and other loved ones. Her death was mourned by her fans, friends, colleagues, and admirers from all walks of life. She was hailed as a national treasure and a culinary icon, who left behind a legacy of love and joy.
Fatima will always be remembered as the queen of Cape Malay cuisine, and a source of inspiration and happiness for many. Her recipes, books, and videos will continue to live on, and her spirit will always be felt in the hearts and kitchens of her fans. As she once said, “Cooking is not just about the food, it’s about the love you put into it.”
