PATENSIE, SOUTH AFRICA — The South African culinary and television community is mourning the sudden and heartbreaking loss of Mynie Steffens, a beloved chef, cookbook author, and co-host of the lifestyle cooking show Speel met Vuur. Steffens, 43, died on Monday, November 10, 2025, after the helicopter she was piloting crashed at a citrus farm outside Patensie in the Eastern Cape.

Authorities reported that Steffens was conducting a pest control operation on the farm shortly before 8 a.m. when her helicopter struck power lines, causing the aircraft to crash. According to the Accidents and Incidents Investigations Division (AIID), the helicopter was “substantially damaged due to impact force.” Police investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances of the accident.

Steffens’ career was marked by creativity, passion, and a love for sharing food with others. She co-hosted Speel met Vuur alongside her high school friend Aldi van der Walt, and authored a cookbook of the same name. Her work inspired countless viewers and readers, and her vibrant personality made her a beloved figure in South Africa’s culinary scene.

Speaking to IOL, van der Walt described the loss of her childhood friend as a “massive shock” and “tragic loss,” adding that Steffens “lived life to the full” and had a gift for making time for people from all walks of life. She remembered her as a woman whose “ideas transformed into successful endeavors,” and whose warmth and generosity touched everyone around her.

News of Steffens’ death has left her fans, colleagues, and the broader community in mourning. Tributes have poured in across social media, honoring her creativity, kindness, and the joy she brought to kitchens and screens alike.

As the investigation continues, South Africa remembers Mynie Steffens not only for her accomplishments but also for her infectious spirit and unwavering dedication to her craft. Her legacy will live on in the lives she touched, both in and out of the kitchen.