The sudden and tragic passing of South African television chef Mynie Steffens has shocked the culinary world and left her fans, family, and colleagues in mourning. Steffens, who was only 43 years old, died in a helicopter crash on November 10, 2025, in the Eastern Cape of South Africa.
Known for her television appearances, her cookbook, and her love for culinary exploration, Steffens was a beloved figure in South African media and beyond. Her untimely death has sparked an outpouring of tributes and condolences from those who knew her personally and professionally.
On the day of the crash, Steffens was flying a helicopter on a routine pest control operation over a citrus farm near the small town of Patensie. According to local authorities, the crash occurred after the helicopter struck a power line, leading to the fatal accident.
The details surrounding the crash are still under investigation, but the wreckage of the helicopter was found on a patch of grass on the farm, with significant damage to the vehicle’s exterior.
Steffens’ death is a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of life and the fragility of our time here on earth. Her passing leaves a void in the lives of those who followed her career and admired her enthusiasm for cooking, adventure, and life in general.
The Shock of Her Passing
The news of Mynie Steffens’ death has sent shockwaves across the South African media landscape. For many who watched her on television, she was not just a chef but a vibrant personality who brought joy and passion to every episode of Speel met Vuur (which translates to Play With Fire).
Steffens made cooking exciting, accessible, and fun, often incorporating her love for fire and outdoor cooking into her shows.
Her enthusiasm for food, combined with her adventurous spirit, made her a household name. Her presence on television was magnetic, and her ability to engage with people from all walks of life made her not only a beloved chef but also a role model for many.
Her show, Speel met Vuur, became an emblem of South African culinary culture, combining traditional cooking with bold flavors, fiery cooking techniques, and plenty of energy. It was the perfect reflection of who Mynie Steffens was: someone who approached everything with a sense of curiosity, excitement, and bravery.
But it wasn’t just her cooking that made Steffens a star — it was also her infectious personality and the way she made her audience feel as though they were part of her journey. Her ability to connect with people, whether through the screen or in person, made her beloved by all who knew her. Her passing, therefore, leaves a lasting impact on all those whose lives she touched.
Her Love for Adventure and Flying
What many fans may not have known about Mynie Steffens was her passion for aviation. In addition to being a talented chef and television personality, she was also a licensed helicopter pilot. She often shared videos of herself flying her helicopter on social media, showcasing her love for adventure and the thrill of exploring the world from above.
Steffens’ passion for flying was something she frequently spoke about, and it was an integral part of her life. She had a deep connection to the skies, which matched her fearless approach to life. Flying gave her the opportunity to escape into nature, enjoy the freedom of the open air, and explore the vast landscapes of South Africa from a unique perspective.
Her interest in aviation was not just a hobby; it was a symbol of her broader philosophy towards life: living fully, embracing challenges, and never shying away from trying something new. She embodied the idea of pushing boundaries and following one’s passions, no matter how unconventional they may seem.
The Tragic Helicopter Crash
The accident that took Steffens’ life occurred on the afternoon of November 10, 2025, as she was conducting a routine pest control operation flight. The helicopter struck a power line, which caused it to crash on a citrus farm outside the town of Patensie. Despite emergency responders’ quick arrival, Steffens did not survive the crash.
Authorities later confirmed that the helicopter had been severely damaged upon impact. Photos taken at the scene of the crash showed the wreckage scattered across the farm, with significant damage to the craft’s exterior. Emergency services quickly cordoned off the area as they began their investigation into the cause of the crash.
In the wake of the accident, the South African police and aviation safety authorities launched an investigation to determine the precise cause of the crash. As of now, the investigation is ongoing, and authorities are looking into factors such as the helicopter’s condition, the weather at the time of the accident, and any potential mechanical failures. However, early reports indicated that the helicopter had struck the power line before plummeting to the ground.
Tributes from Co-Hosts and Friends
Mynie Steffens’ co-host and longtime friend, Aldi Van Der Walt, was among the first to speak publicly about her passing. Van Der Walt, who had known Steffens since high school, described her as a “big-hearted person” with a “gentle soul.” He told the George Herald that Steffens was the glue that held people together, and her ability to bring others together was one of her most beloved traits.
“She was always full of ideas that turned into successful ventures,” Van Der Walt said, reflecting on Steffens’ creative spirit. “Mynie had a way of winning people over, whether it was through her cooking, her ideas, or simply her personality. She was genuine, kind, and could make time for anyone, regardless of who they were or where they came from.”
Van Der Walt went on to describe Steffens as someone who lived life to the fullest, always seeking out new experiences and challenges. Their reunion after years apart marked the beginning of Speel met Vuur, and together, they created a television show that resonated with millions of viewers.
“I’ve lost not just a co-host, but a close friend,” Van Der Walt added. “She always had time for me, and for everyone she met. She truly lived with curiosity and bravery, and that’s something we should all remember.”
VIA TV’s Tribute to Mynie Steffens
VIA TV, the network that aired Speel met Vuur, also issued a heartfelt tribute to Steffens on social media. “Rest in peace, Mynie Steffens. You were adventurous until the end. With Play With Fire, you showed us all how to approach life with curiosity and bravery,” the statement read. “Sleep softly, Mynie. You will be deeply missed.”
VIA TV went on to praise Steffens for her contributions to the network, stating that she was an integral part of their team and a pioneer of South African cooking television. Her ability to blend entertainment with educational content made her a standout figure in the industry, and her work will continue to inspire future generations of chefs and television hosts.
A Cookbook and Culinary Legacy
Beyond television, Mynie Steffens’ culinary expertise extended to her 2021 cookbook, Mynie Plays with Fire. The book was a tribute to her love of South African barbecue, filled with recipes cooked over an open fire, showcasing the unique flavors and techniques that make South African cuisine so special.
The cookbook was well-received by fans and fellow chefs alike, many of whom praised Steffens for her passion and ability to make cooking approachable for everyone. Steffens’ recipes were not just about food — they were about bringing people together, sharing stories, and creating lasting memories around the table. Through her cookbook and her television appearances, she passed on her love for food and her belief in the power of cooking to bring people together.
Remembering Mynie Steffens
As tributes continue to pour in from across South Africa and beyond, it’s clear that Mynie Steffens was much more than just a TV chef. She was a beacon of positivity, adventure, and creativity, and her legacy will continue to live on through her work, her family, and the countless lives she touched.
In her honor, fans and friends are sharing stories of how she impacted their lives, whether through her cooking, her vibrant personality, or her ability to make people feel special. The world of food television has lost a great star, but her spirit and her teachings will undoubtedly continue to inspire others for years to come.
The sudden and tragic passing of South African television chef Mynie Steffens has shocked the culinary world and left her fans, family, and colleagues in mourning. Steffens, who was only 43 years old, died in a helicopter crash on November 10, 2025, in the Eastern Cape of South Africa.
Known for her television appearances, her cookbook, and her love for culinary exploration, Steffens was a beloved figure in South African media and beyond. Her untimely death has sparked an outpouring of tributes and condolences from those who knew her personally and professionally.
On the day of the crash, Steffens was flying a helicopter on a routine pest control operation over a citrus farm near the small town of Patensie. According to local authorities, the crash occurred after the helicopter struck a power line, leading to the fatal accident.
The details surrounding the crash are still under investigation, but the wreckage of the helicopter was found on a patch of grass on the farm, with significant damage to the vehicle’s exterior.
Steffens’ death is a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of life and the fragility of our time here on earth. Her passing leaves a void in the lives of those who followed her career and admired her enthusiasm for cooking, adventure, and life in general.
The Shock of Her Passing
The news of Mynie Steffens’ death has sent shockwaves across the South African media landscape. For many who watched her on television, she was not just a chef but a vibrant personality who brought joy and passion to every episode of Speel met Vuur (which translates to Play With Fire).
Steffens made cooking exciting, accessible, and fun, often incorporating her love for fire and outdoor cooking into her shows.
Her enthusiasm for food, combined with her adventurous spirit, made her a household name. Her presence on television was magnetic, and her ability to engage with people from all walks of life made her not only a beloved chef but also a role model for many.
Her show, Speel met Vuur, became an emblem of South African culinary culture, combining traditional cooking with bold flavors, fiery cooking techniques, and plenty of energy. It was the perfect reflection of who Mynie Steffens was: someone who approached everything with a sense of curiosity, excitement, and bravery.
But it wasn’t just her cooking that made Steffens a star — it was also her infectious personality and the way she made her audience feel as though they were part of her journey. Her ability to connect with people, whether through the screen or in person, made her beloved by all who knew her. Her passing, therefore, leaves a lasting impact on all those whose lives she touched.
Her Love for Adventure and Flying
What many fans may not have known about Mynie Steffens was her passion for aviation. In addition to being a talented chef and television personality, she was also a licensed helicopter pilot. She often shared videos of herself flying her helicopter on social media, showcasing her love for adventure and the thrill of exploring the world from above.
Steffens’ passion for flying was something she frequently spoke about, and it was an integral part of her life. She had a deep connection to the skies, which matched her fearless approach to life. Flying gave her the opportunity to escape into nature, enjoy the freedom of the open air, and explore the vast landscapes of South Africa from a unique perspective.
Her interest in aviation was not just a hobby; it was a symbol of her broader philosophy towards life: living fully, embracing challenges, and never shying away from trying something new. She embodied the idea of pushing boundaries and following one’s passions, no matter how unconventional they may seem.
The Tragic Helicopter Crash
The accident that took Steffens’ life occurred on the afternoon of November 10, 2025, as she was conducting a routine pest control operation flight. The helicopter struck a power line, which caused it to crash on a citrus farm outside the town of Patensie. Despite emergency responders’ quick arrival, Steffens did not survive the crash.
Authorities later confirmed that the helicopter had been severely damaged upon impact. Photos taken at the scene of the crash showed the wreckage scattered across the farm, with significant damage to the craft’s exterior. Emergency services quickly cordoned off the area as they began their investigation into the cause of the crash.
In the wake of the accident, the South African police and aviation safety authorities launched an investigation to determine the precise cause of the crash. As of now, the investigation is ongoing, and authorities are looking into factors such as the helicopter’s condition, the weather at the time of the accident, and any potential mechanical failures. However, early reports indicated that the helicopter had struck the power line before plummeting to the ground.
Tributes from Co-Hosts and Friends
Mynie Steffens’ co-host and longtime friend, Aldi Van Der Walt, was among the first to speak publicly about her passing. Van Der Walt, who had known Steffens since high school, described her as a “big-hearted person” with a “gentle soul.” He told the George Herald that Steffens was the glue that held people together, and her ability to bring others together was one of her most beloved traits.
“She was always full of ideas that turned into successful ventures,” Van Der Walt said, reflecting on Steffens’ creative spirit. “Mynie had a way of winning people over, whether it was through her cooking, her ideas, or simply her personality. She was genuine, kind, and could make time for anyone, regardless of who they were or where they came from.”
Van Der Walt went on to describe Steffens as someone who lived life to the fullest, always seeking out new experiences and challenges. Their reunion after years apart marked the beginning of Speel met Vuur, and together, they created a television show that resonated with millions of viewers.
“I’ve lost not just a co-host, but a close friend,” Van Der Walt added. “She always had time for me, and for everyone she met. She truly lived with curiosity and bravery, and that’s something we should all remember.”
VIA TV’s Tribute to Mynie Steffens
VIA TV, the network that aired Speel met Vuur, also issued a heartfelt tribute to Steffens on social media. “Rest in peace, Mynie Steffens. You were adventurous until the end. With Play With Fire, you showed us all how to approach life with curiosity and bravery,” the statement read. “Sleep softly, Mynie. You will be deeply missed.”
VIA TV went on to praise Steffens for her contributions to the network, stating that she was an integral part of their team and a pioneer of South African cooking television. Her ability to blend entertainment with educational content made her a standout figure in the industry, and her work will continue to inspire future generations of chefs and television hosts.
A Cookbook and Culinary Legacy
Beyond television, Mynie Steffens’ culinary expertise extended to her 2021 cookbook, Mynie Plays with Fire. The book was a tribute to her love of South African barbecue, filled with recipes cooked over an open fire, showcasing the unique flavors and techniques that make South African cuisine so special.
The cookbook was well-received by fans and fellow chefs alike, many of whom praised Steffens for her passion and ability to make cooking approachable for everyone. Steffens’ recipes were not just about food — they were about bringing people together, sharing stories, and creating lasting memories around the table. Through her cookbook and her television appearances, she passed on her love for food and her belief in the power of cooking to bring people together.
Remembering Mynie Steffens
As tributes continue to pour in from across South Africa and beyond, it’s clear that Mynie Steffens was much more than just a TV chef. She was a beacon of positivity, adventure, and creativity, and her legacy will continue to live on through her work, her family, and the countless lives she touched.
In her honor, fans and friends are sharing stories of how she impacted their lives, whether through her cooking, her vibrant personality, or her ability to make people feel special. The world of food television has lost a great star, but her spirit and her teachings will undoubtedly continue to inspire others for years to come.
