Remembering Mynie Steffens: South Africa Mourns the TV Chef Killed in Helicopter Crash

Remembering Mynie Steffens: South Africa Mourns the TV Chef Killed in Helicopter Crash

South Africa’s culinary world is in mourning following the tragic death of chef, author, and TV personality Mynie Steffens, who was killed in a helicopter crash near Patensie in the Eastern Cape on Monday morning. She was 43.

The Civil Aviation Authority’s Accidents and Incidents Investigations Division (AIID) confirmed that Steffens’ Robinson R22 helicopter (registration ZS-DLF) went down while she was performing a pest control flight over farmland. Preliminary findings indicate the helicopter struck power lines before crashing, leaving the aircraft severely damaged and killing Steffens on impact.

Authorities have since opened an inquest, while aviation investigators have been dispatched to the crash site. A preliminary report is expected to be published on the CAA’s website within 30 days.

A life lived with fire, literally and creatively

For those who knew or followed her work, Mynie Steffens was much more than a TV chef. She embodied the adventurous, open-hearted spirit that has made South African cooking unique and communal.

She was best known for her VIA TV show, Speel met Vuur, where she travelled across South Africa to cook over open flames, a celebration of food, fire, and friendship. With her signature smile and down-to-earth warmth, Steffens would turn simple meals into stories, connecting with people from all walks of life.

Her co-host and childhood friend, Aldi van der Walt, described her as “the glue that kept people together.” Speaking to IOL, Van der Walt said the news came as a “massive shock.”

“Mynie lived life to the full. She was always full of ideas that transformed into successful endeavours. She made time for everyone, that was her magic.”

Beyond the kitchen

Beyond her television fame, Steffens wore many hats, she was a qualified pilot instructor, author, and a regular host at local and international braai events. Her career blended South Africa’s love for fire-cooked food with her own adventurous streak, whether flying, cooking, or teaching, she approached life with enthusiasm and heart.

Fans on social media echoed this sentiment, flooding platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram with messages of grief and admiration. Many shared clips from Speel met Vuur, calling her “an icon of authenticity” and “a flame that burned too brightly, too soon.”

Questions still to be answered

While tributes pour in, aviation investigators are now piecing together the details of the crash. The AIID will issue its preliminary report within the month, which will shed light on the technical or environmental factors that may have led to the fatal impact.

The tragedy has reignited discussions around rural aviation safety in South Africa, particularly for small aircraft involved in agricultural work such as crop spraying or pest control, often done in low-altitude, high-risk conditions.

A nation’s loss

Steffens’ death marks a deep loss for South Africa’s creative and culinary communities. Her approach to life, fiery, fearless, and fiercely kind, left an imprint on everyone who crossed her path.

As tributes continue to pour in, one thing is clear: Mynie Steffens’ flame may be gone, but her fire will live on in kitchens, braais, and hearts across the country.

{Source: IOL}

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