The Stories, Sparks, and Men Who Raised Us
Father’s Day month is here. It’s a time to honour the men who raised us. The ones who taught us how to tie a knot, pack a boot properly, and light a fire that lasts longer than your patience. These are the men who showed us how to build things (sometimes with duct tape), fix things (often with duct tape), and dream big while keeping two feet on the ground.
Here at Donkey Long Tong, we wouldn’t be who we are without the dads who helped shape our founders. These are the men who sparked the adventurous spirits that eventually led to handmade fire tools, late-night braais, and a deep love for wood, smoke and the outdoors.
So, this Father’s Day, we sat down with the fathers behind our founders to say thank you, and to share a little bit about the legends who passed on the spirit of adventure.
Simone and Her Dad, Hannes: Botswana, Maps and Fires
When asked about his favourite adventure with Simone, Hannes didn’t hesitate: Botswana.
A road trip into the bush, wild camping under starlit skies, and waking to the calls of distant animals. It’s where he watched his daughter shine, not just as a traveller, but as a natural leader. Her ability to plan, navigate, and still take in the magic around her made the trip unforgettable.
But beyond the 4x4 trails, what he remembers most is the fire. The quiet moments after a long day, with a log crackling in the background and stories shared under the stars.
“To me,” he says, “being a dad means offering love and stability. Being that constant anchor in the middle of all life’s chaos.”
We see that anchor every day in Simone’s grit, her laughter, and her ability to find her way through the wild adventure that is running a company.
Nic and His Dad: Fire, Whiskey, and a Pair of Pliers
For Nic and Andrew, adventure wasn’t a chapter. It was the whole book.
From remote 4x4 trails to lighting fires with not just flames, but patience (and the occasional splash of whiskey), their relationship has been forged in the wild.
Andrew passed down a love for stories, for the great outdoors, and for the kind of fire that brings people together. Some of their best memories were made around the fire, often during camping trips that still get talked about to this day. Although some of those stories never quite make it back to Nic’s mom…
There’s still one dream they haven’t ticked off, though: driving the full length of Africa together. And if the past is anything to go by, it’s not a question of if, but when this dream will happen.
But Andrew’s role in Donkey Long Tong runs deeper than just kindling Nic’s adventurous spirit. The only tool he ever gave Nic (a pair of pliers) helped build the first 3,000 Donkey Long Tongs. That humble tool now rests in our Donkey Hall of Fame. A retired hero from the early days in the barn.
Marcel and His Dad Jacques: Sparks, Steaks, and Prototypes
Innovation runs in Marcel’s blood, and it’s easy to see where he got it from.
His dad, Jacques, wasn’t just a camping buddy; he was a co-creator in spirit. The two have spent countless nights beside the fire, grilling steaks to perfection and dreaming up new ideas. In fact, it was Jacques who inspired Marcel to think bigger, and because of that, Marcel eventually created the very first prototype of the Donkey Long Tong.
Their shared adventures didn’t stop in childhood. Just a few weeks ago, they were in the Kruger together, exploring and bonding in the way only fathers and sons can, through a mix of firewood, wildlife, and well-timed jokes.
Because the bond with your dad doesn’t end when you grow up, it just evolves. It deepens. And in Marcel and Jacques’ case, keeps heading for the next horizon.
To the Dads Who Lit the Fire
Our dads are the backbone of our stories. The original fire starters. They gave us the first tools, the first sparks of curiosity, and the confidence to chase adventures.
From teaching us how to light a proper fire to handing over a pair of pliers that would one day help start a company, their influence is everywhere. They are the quiet legends behind every log, spark, and roaring flame.
This month, we honour the men who showed us the way. Whether your kids gifted you a Donkey Long Tong or are still trying to borrow yours, light a fire anyway in celebration.
To the dads who keep the fire going: Happy Father Month. You lit the flame, and now we get to carry it forward.
