TV Star Chef Dies in Helicopter Crash

A shocking tragedy has sent ripples through the entertainment world, as the cherished television personality has died in a catastrophic helicopter crash, leaving a nation in grief and the culinary community in stunned silence.

Mynie Steffens, 43, the beloved co-host of VIA channel's "Speel met Vuur" was alone on the morning of November 10, 2025, when the aircraft she was piloting slammed into power lines during a crop-spraying mission and plummeted to the ground in a devastating impact.

Warrant Officer Majola Nkohli confirmed the crash occurred around 8 a.m. The Accidents and Incidents Investigations Division has already opened a case to determine the cause of the deadly accident involving a Robinson R22 helicopter.

Steffens, who held credentials as a licensed pilot instructor, was operating the flight over Roodegrond Farm near Patensie, an Eastern Cape region known for its sweeping orange fields.

"The helicopter itself was substantially damaged due to impact force," authorities said. Investigators will release a preliminary report within 30 days, as questions swirl about what caused the fatal descent.

Local farm owner Ruan Scheepers was alerted to the horrifying news by one of his workers who witnessed the aftermath. The situation was scary for everyone, according to the farm owner, and he later offered his condolences to Steffens' family in the wake of the heartbreaking accident.

Private security firm Exec Ops ARO was dispatched to the scene, arriving alongside emergency responders and other authorities.

In a solemn post shared on Facebook, the company stated it would refrain from releasing further details on social media "due to the sensitive nature of the incident," but still extended a respectful message of sympathy.

Steffens was not just a television host. She was an important figure in the South African culinary and lifestyle space, known for her flair, her warmth, and her bold creativity.

Her longtime friend and co-host, Aldi van der Walt, expressed devastation in an interview with local outlet, IOL, calling the situation a "massive shock" and adding that she was still trying to deal with the "tragic loss."

"Mynie lived life to the full," van der Walt 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."

The pair's journey began as teenagers on the hockey field at Nico Malan High in Humansdrop. Sixteen years later, they reunited to build a dream that became "Speel met Vuur" ("Play with Fire"), a hit cooking series defined by its bold visuals and adventurous spirit.

Speaking about filming the show, van der Walt recalled how Steffens never let time or pressure stop her from making people feel seen.

"From a production point of view, nothing was ever too big a job or effort to make something happen," she said. "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."

Although her sister, Lanie, has not spoken publicly, many others have come forward. Kouga mayor Hattingh Bornman, a close friend of Steffens, called the passing "terrible."

The afternoon of the incident, VIA TV took to Facebook to share their heartbreak. Their post's caption translates to:

"Rest in peace, Mynie Steffens. You were adventurous until the very end. With #SpeelMetVuur you showed us all how to seize life with curiosity and bravery. Sleep softly."

Alongside a photo of the late chef, they added:

"You inspired us to seek adventure and taste the wild flavors of life. We will never forget your fearlessness. May your flame continue to burn."

We also offer our condolences to Steffens' family at this time.