TV chef dies in South Africa helicopter crash
South African chef and television presenter Mynie Steffens has died in a helicopter crash in the Eastern Cape.
According to local police, the incident occurred on Monday morning near Patensie, when a Robinson R22 helicopter struck power lines and crashed while carrying out a pest-control operation on a citrus farm.
Mynie, who was the only person on board, was pronounced dead at the scene. The SACAA has opened an investigation and a preliminary report is expected in due course.
Sisa Majola, spokesperson for the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA), confirmed: “The pilot was the sole occupant on board, and was fatally injured. 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.”
Sisa added: “The helicopter itself was substantially damaged due to impact force. Investigators have been dispatched to the site where a preliminary report will be published on the SACAA website 30 days from the day of this accident.”
A prominent advocate for South African fire cooking
Best known for her television series Speel met Vuur (which translates as Play with Fire) on DStv’s VIA channel, Mynie became a recognisable figure in South Africa’s food media. Her work focused on open-fire cookery and braai culture, often filmed on location across the country.
Mynie began cooking over a fire as a child and went on to publish several cookbooks, including Mynie Speel Met Vuur, which showcased the creativity and community spirit of South Africa’s outdoor cooking traditions. Through television, events and workshops, she helped promote braai as both a culinary art and a shared social experience.
Career and influence
Beyond television, Mynie was also a commercial pilot and frequently combined her aviation experience with her culinary projects, travelling to remote areas and using her platform to celebrate regional produce and traditional techniques.
Her approach to food was rooted in simplicity, storytelling and authenticity - values that resonated widely within South Africa’s culinary scene. Mynie’s work inspired chefs and home cooks alike to rediscover traditional fire-based methods and to approach food with curiosity and respect for ingredients.
Industry tributes
Tributes have been shared across South African media, highlighting her generosity and the warmth she brought to both her kitchen and the screen. One colleague described her as “patient, kind and funny, with a rare ability to make people feel valued”.
Investigation ongoing
Authorities confirmed that Mynie was conducting an agricultural spraying operation at the time of the crash. No other injuries were reported. The SACAA’s Accidents and Incidents Investigation Division has launched an inquiry to determine the cause.
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