TV chef Mynie Steffens dies in horrific accident, aged 43

Fans of South African food TV will know the name Mynie Steffens, the flame-loving chef whose show Speel met Vuur brought bold flavours, bright personality and a sense of adventure to weeknight cooking.

Away from the cameras, she built a reputation not only as a presenter and cookbook author, but as someone who lived life at full tilt, often quite literally. Her friends regularly spoke about her energy, her ideas and her uncanny ability to make people feel seen. Viewers knew her as the chef who embraced risk with charm; those closest to her knew her as a friend who made space for everyone.

Her longtime friend and co-host, Aldi van der Walt, described the shock felt by those who loved her, calling the news a 'massive shock' and 'tragic loss.'

Steffens built a devoted following with her adventurous approach to cooking and life (Instagram/@meatmynie)

In the days following Steffens' death, she reflected on their years of friendship and work together.

She 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 added: “She could make time for people from every walk of life, and that was her priority.”

(Instagram/@meatmynie)

It was on Monday 10 November that Steffens’ life was cut short in a horrific helicopter crash at a citrus farm outside Patensie in the Eastern Cape.

The Accidents and Incidents Investigations Division confirmed: “Information that is at our disposal indicates that the pilot was conducting a pest control operation flight when the helicopter struck power lines and crashed."

They added: “The helicopter itself was substantially damaged due to impact force.”

Friends say Steffens brought warmth, humour and boundless creativity to every project (Instagram/@meatmynie)

As noted by People, Van der Walt described her friend’s spirit with raw affection. The chef, she said, ‘had a big heart, gentle soul, the glue that kept people together’ and ‘she had patience and kindness coupled with humour, and that made her irresistible to people. I will miss my friend. Her absence will be felt by many.’

VIA TV paid tribute to Steffens - who regularly posted about helicopter trips on Instagram - with a message on Facebook that read: “Rest in peace, Mynie Steffens. You were adventurous until the end. With #PlayWithFire, you showed us all how to approach life with curiosity and bravery. Sleep softly.”