Celebrity chef and television personality Mynie Steffens died Monday in a helicopter crash near Patensie in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, marking a devastating loss for the country’s culinary community. Steffens, 43, was piloting the helicopter while spraying citrus farm oranges with pesticides when the aircraft struck power lines and crashed at Roodegrond Farm, according to multiple reports.
The incident occurred at approximately 7:45 a.m. local time on November 10, 2025. Steffens, a licensed helicopter pilot, was conducting a pest control operation flight when the helicopter collided with power lines, causing the aircraft to plummet to the ground. The Accidents and Incidents Investigations Division confirmed that “the helicopter itself was substantially damaged due to impact force.”
Ruan Scheepers, the owner of Roodegrond Farm where the accident occurred, reportedly told local outlets that his workers alerted him to the crash scene. The South African authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision.
Steffens had built a prominent career in South African media through her work as co-host of the cooking and lifestyle show Speel met Vuur. The program showcased her passion for outdoor cooking techniques. She also authored a cookbook titled Mynie Plays with Fire, which featured recipes centered around braai, a traditional South African barbecue cooking method over open flames.
The television show represented a reunion between Steffens and her childhood friend Aldi van der Walt, who served as her co-host. The two had played hockey together at school before reconnecting years later. According to van der Walt, the idea for their cooking show emerged during that reunion and quickly transformed into reality.
Van der Walt spoke with reporters following the crash, describing the news as a “massive shock” and “tragic loss.” She shared memories of working alongside Steffens and reflected on her friend’s character. “She lived life to the full,” van der Walt said according to reports. She noted that during filming road trips for their show, Steffens demonstrated a commitment to making people feel valued, often refusing to let tight schedules prevent her from showing compassion.
The co-host emphasized Steffens’ ability to connect with diverse groups of people, describing her late friend as someone who had a big heart and gentle soul. Van der Walt told local media outlets that Steffens’ patience, kindness and humor made her irresistible to people, adding that her friend’s absence will be felt by many.
According to reports, Steffens developed her love for cooking over fire during her childhood, a passion that would eventually define her professional career. She frequently shared videos of her helicopter flights on social media, documenting both her aviation skills and her agricultural work. Her multifaceted career combined her interests in cooking, aviation and agriculture.
The television network that broadcast Speel met Vuur posted a tribute to Steffens on social media following news of her death. The statement, originally written in Afrikaans, honored her adventurous spirit and the impact she made through her television work. The network acknowledged how she demonstrated curiosity and bravery in approaching life through her on-screen presence.
The Accidents and Incidents Investigations Division continues to examine the circumstances of the crash. Authorities have indicated that no additional details can be shared during the ongoing investigation but have extended condolences to the families of both victims. The division’s preliminary information suggests Steffens was conducting standard pest control operations when the helicopter encountered the power lines.
Photos from the accident scene showed the severely damaged helicopter in a grassy area of the farm, with significant portions of the aircraft’s exterior missing from the impact. Emergency services responded to the scene after farm workers witnessed the crash and immediately contacted authorities.
Steffens’ death has prompted an outpouring of grief from South Africa’s culinary community and television viewers who followed her work. Her contributions to South African cooking culture, particularly her focus on traditional braai techniques and outdoor cooking methods, made her a recognizable figure in households across the country.
The investigation into the helicopter crash remains active, with officials working to determine the exact sequence of events that led to the collision with power lines. The Accidents and Incidents Investigations Division has not provided a timeline for when their findings will be released to the public.
