Celebrity chef and television presenter Mynie Steffens died Monday morning in a helicopter crash at Roodegrond Farm near Patensie in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, according to multiple reports. She was 43 years old. According to reports, Steffens died alongside the pilot at the scene.
The incident occurred around 7:45 a.m. local time on November 10, 2025, when the helicopter struck power lines while Steffens was spraying crops with pesticides on the citrus farm. The helicopter was substantially damaged due to impact force, according to the Accidents and Incidents Investigations Division.
Farm workers alerted the farm owner, Ruan Scheepers, to the accident. Aviation authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, though officials stated no further details can be shared at this time while extending condolences to the victims’ families.
Steffens co-hosted the popular cooking and lifestyle show “Speel met Vuur,” which aired on the VIA TV channel in South Africa. The program, which combined her passion for food and travel, was born from a reunion with her childhood friend and co-host Aldi van der Walt after the pair reconnected following 16 years apart. The two had played hockey together at school before later reuniting in adulthood.
Van der Walt spoke about the loss, calling it a massive shock. “She lived life to the full,” van der Walt said. “She was always full of ideas that had transformed into successful endeavours, and then executing that with success, winning over people as she went along.”
Van der Walt further described her late friend as someone who had a big heart, a gentle soul, and served as the glue that kept people together. She added that Steffens could make time for people from every walk of life, and that was her priority. Van der Walt recounted memories from their road trips during filming, noting how Steffens would not let schedule and time infringe too much when she deemed it important to show compassion and make someone feel valued.
“She had patience and kindness coupled with humour, and that made her irresistible to people,” van der Walt stated. “I will miss my friend. Her absence will be felt by many.”
Beyond her television career, Steffens was also an accomplished author. She wrote the cookbook “Mynie Plays with Fire,” which was published by Penguin Books South Africa in 2021. The cookbook featured her signature recipes and reflected her love for cooking, which her publisher noted began when she was just 10 years old.
The cooking show that brought Steffens into South African households showcased not only her culinary talents but also her adventurous spirit. The idea for the program was conceived during her reunion with van der Walt and quickly became a reality, resonating with viewers across the country.
VIA TV, the network that aired “Speel met Vuur,” posted a tribute following news of Steffens’ death. The network honored her adventurous nature and acknowledged how she demonstrated approaching life with curiosity and bravery through her show.
The Accidents and Incidents Investigations Division confirmed that information at their disposal indicates the pilot was conducting a pest control operation flight when the helicopter struck the power lines and crashed. The investigation continues as authorities work to determine the exact cause of the accident that claimed her life.
Steffens’ death represents a significant loss for South Africa’s culinary and television community, where she had built a substantial following through her engaging personality and passion for food. Her work on “Speel met Vuur” brought innovative cooking content to audiences while celebrating South African cuisine and culture.
The crash occurred during what appeared to be routine agricultural work at the citrus farm. The helicopter was being used for spraying pesticides on crops, a common practice in agricultural operations, when it encountered the power lines in the early morning hours.
Friends, colleagues, and fans have mourned the loss of the television presenter, remembering her contributions to South African cooking shows and her warm, approachable personality that made her a household name. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash remains ongoing as authorities examine all aspects of the incident.