The sudden loss of television host and chef Mynie Steffens, who died at age 43 in a helicopter crash in South Africa, has left fans and colleagues reflecting on the vibrant impact she made throughout her career. Authorities reported that her aircraft struck power lines before crashing on a citrus farm near Patensie in the Eastern Cape, bringing an abrupt end to a life defined by creativity, adventure, and generosity. As tributes continue to pour in across social platforms, many are seeking meaningful ways to acknowledge her contributions and celebrate the spirit she shared so openly with viewers.
To honor Steffens’ memory, it helps to revisit the work that made her beloved. As the presenter of Speel met Vuur (“Play With Fire”), she introduced audiences to food cooked over open flames, combining culinary skill with a sense of excitement and warmth. Her co-host, Aldi Van Der Walt, described her as someone who held people together with kindness—a friend who approached life with full-hearted enthusiasm. Their partnership, rekindled years after high school, became a testament to Steffens’ ability to reconnect, create, and inspire. Remembering these qualities provides a starting point for anyone wanting to keep her legacy alive.
Another thoughtful way to reflect on her life is by embracing the values she demonstrated on screen and in her personal pursuits. VIA TV, the network behind her cooking show, highlighted her adventurous spirit and the courage she brought to every challenge. Steffens carried this same energy into her cookbook, Mynie Plays with Fire, where she celebrated South African barbecue traditions with both skill and affection. Exploring her recipes or sharing them with loved ones can become a meaningful tribute, echoing the joy she found in food, creativity, and cultural heritage.
Finally, honoring Steffens means acknowledging the bold curiosity that shaped her life beyond the kitchen. Her frequent helicopter-flying videos and passion for new experiences underscored a belief in living fully and fearlessly. Those who admired her can reflect this mindset by embracing small moments of courage, trying something new, or reaching out with compassion—just as she did. In remembering Mynie Steffens, we remember a woman who inspired not only through her cooking, but through the way she embraced every chapter with heart, bravery, and an infectious zest for life.
