Armien “Arch” Sydow with former president Nelson Mandela.
Cape Town - The late uMkhonto we Sizwe veteran and member of former president Nelson Mandela’s VIP security unit when he was released from prison, Armien “Arch” Sydow is yet to be laid to rest as his family says they are struggling to get his body back from provincial Forensic Pathology Services (FPS).
The 74-year-old died in the early hours of Tuesday at Life Kingsbury Hospital after a long illness, followed by a stroke.
Hailing from Athlone and born in District Six, Sydow was a guerilla freedom fighter who joined The United Democratic Front (UDF) during the 1980s.
Sydow’s younger brother, Nazier, said he would remember his brother as a hero and a selfless leader who fought for freedom.
“We have hiccups in getting our brother's body so that we can be able to bury him. As a Muslim, he was supposed to be buried (Wednesday) but due to unforeseen circumstances we could not and it is something that we as the family are working on. This whole process has to do with the post-mortem.
“What I know is that he had lung failure but later he had a stroke due to his age and body condition.
“While he was in hospital he developed other illnesses which I think is why there are delays to bury him,” Nazier said.
“My brother was a selfless comrade who wanted nothing but justice for our people.
“He played a vital role during apartheid to make sure that our country got freedom and justice.
“I have mixed emotions now, I am happy because people have come out in their numbers to send condolences because they know that he stood for nothing but justice,” said Nazier.
FPS spokesperson Deanna February did not respond to questions on Wednesday.
Provincial ANC convener Lerumo Kalako described Sydow as a steadfast comrade and veteran of the mass democratic movement.
“He believed in nonracial democracy in this country. We have lost a good cadre and a very disciplined person who did whatever he did without expecting any compensation. He has never come forward and demanded anything from the ANC or from the people of South Africa.”
He conveyed condolences to Sydow’s family.
National Association of Democratic Lawyers (NADEL) secretary-general Nolitha Jali said Sydow’s progressive contribution to the democratic struggle was meaningful and heroic.
“Nadel is saddened by the loss of Archie, husband to Fazoe Sydow.
Archie passed away in the early hours of the morning after a long illness. He gave his life for the Struggle and we will forever be grateful for the role he played in our liberation.
“We have lost a legend. Our condolences are extended to his family, and particularly to Fazoe, their two sons, Shamiel and Faizel, seven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
Archie was a life well lived and he is mourned deeply in his passing,” said Jali.
Cape Times
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