The ANC paid tribute to Armien “Archie” Sydow at a gathering at Spliny Road Baptist Church in Athlone. Sydow died on 27 September from heart failure at Life Kingsbury Hospital.

During the anti-apartheid struggle Sydow would smuggle food and medical supplies to activists in the township. As an MK (Umkhonto we Sizwe - Spear of the Nation) operative he was also involved in smuggling arms to those on the forefront of fighting the apartheid regime.In the townships Sydow was referred to as Themba. Sydow also worked in the security detail of senior ANC leaders including Walter Sisulu, Oliver Tambo and Nelson Mandela.

The tribute event was attended by old anti-apartheid activists, ANC members, parliamentarians and clerics of all religions. Amongst those who were speakers were Achmat Cassiem, Zenzile Khoisan and ANC MP Faiez Jacobs. The keynote address was delivers by anti-apartheid icon Dr Allan Boesak.