Television host and chef Mynie Steffens has tragically died at the age of 43 after a helicopter crash in South Africa, leaving the nation in mourning. The fatal accident occurred on Monday, November 10, near the town of Patensie in the Eastern Cape, where Steffens was piloting a helicopter during a pest control operation. Authorities confirmed that the aircraft struck a power line before crashing onto a citrus farm, resulting in severe damage to the helicopter and fatal injuries to Steffens.
In an official statement, the Accident and Incident Investigation Division said, “Information at our disposal indicates that the pilot was conducting a pest control operation flight when the helicopter struck power lines and crashed. The helicopter was substantially damaged due to impact force.” Photos from the scene showed the aircraft in a grassy field, with debris scattered nearby, underscoring the force of the impact.
Steffens, best known for hosting the popular cooking show Speel met Vuur (Play With Fire), captivated South African audiences with her fearless, creative approach to food and her warm on-screen presence. Her longtime co-host and friend Aldi van der Walt described her as “a big heart, a gentle soul, the glue that kept people together.” VIA TV, the network behind her show, shared a moving tribute: “Rest in peace, Mynie Steffens. You were adventurous until the end. With Play With Fire, you showed us how to approach life with curiosity and bravery. Sleep softly.”
Outside of television, Steffens was a passionate author and adventurer. Her 2021 cookbook Mynie Plays with Fire celebrated South Africa’s vibrant open-fire cooking traditions. She was also an experienced pilot, often sharing flight videos that combined her love for food, travel, and exploration. Her untimely death leaves a deep void in the country’s culinary and entertainment circles — but her legacy of courage, creativity, and authenticity will continue to inspire those who, like her, dare to live boldly and play with fire.
