Mynie Steffens Death, South African TV Chef and Cookbook Author Dies in Helicopter Crash
SOUTH AFRICA —
The South African culinary community is mourning the loss of Mynie Steffens, a popular television chef and cookbook author who tragically died in a helicopter crash on Monday, November 10, 2025. She was 43 years old.
According to reports from SABC News, Steffens was piloting a helicopter while conducting a pesticide-spraying operation on a citrus farm when the aircraft struck power lines and crashed at around 8:00 a.m.
“Information that is at our disposal indicates that the pilot was conducting a pest control operation flight when the helicopter struck power lines and crashed,” the Accidents and Incidents Investigations Division said in a statement to the George Herald. “The helicopter itself was substantially damaged due to impact force.”
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has launched an investigation into the crash, according to People Magazine.
Celebrated Chef and Television Personality
Mynie Steffens was best known for co-hosting the hit cooking show Speel met Vuur (“Play with Fire”) alongside her longtime friend Aldi Van der Walt. The show, which aired on VIA TV, showcased Mynie’s fearless creativity in the kitchen and her warm, down-to-earth approach to food and life.
She also authored a successful cookbook under the same title, Speel met Vuur, which inspired many home cooks with its bold recipes and storytelling flair.
In a heartfelt statement, VIA TV expressed their sorrow on social media:
“Rest in peace, Mynie Steffens. You were adventurous until the end. With #PlayWithFire, you showed us all how to approach life with curiosity and bravery. Sleep softly.”
Remembering a Vibrant Spirit
Mynie Steffens’ longtime friend and co-host Aldi Van der Walt paid tribute to her life and legacy, describing her as a woman full of ideas, energy, and compassion.
“She was always full of ideas that had transformed into successful endeavors, and then executing that with success, winning over people as she went along,” Van der Walt told IOL.
“She could make time for people from every walk of life, and that was her priority. She had patience and kindness coupled with humor, and that made her irresistible to people. I will miss my friend. Her absence will be felt by many.”
Steffens’ fans have flooded social media with tributes, recalling her charm, humor, and passion for both food and adventure — qualities that defined her career and endeared her to audiences across South Africa.
A Legacy of Passion and Creativity
Over the years, Mynie Steffens became a symbol of creativity, resilience, and innovation in South African cuisine. Her television presence on Speel met Vuur brought joy and inspiration to countless viewers who admired her authenticity and zest for life.
Her tragic passing has left a void in the culinary and entertainment worlds, but her influence will continue through her recipes, television work, and the many lives she touched.
Final Thoughts
As tributes pour in from across South Africa and beyond, fans remember Mynie Steffens not only as a chef and TV personality but as an adventurer who truly lived up to her show’s motto — “Play with Fire.”
Her spirit of curiosity, kindness, and courage will continue to inspire future generations of chefs, creators, and dreamers.
