Simone Hattingh's story is one of adventure, innovation, and an unwavering connection to nature. Her journey from work burnout to co-founding Donkey Long Tong is a testament to the power of following one's passions and staying true to one's roots. Her contributions to the company and her unique approach to living and working in nature serve as an inspiration to women in South Africa and around the world.
August in South Africa is a month dedicated to celebrating women and honoring their significant contributions to society. This month-long tribute commemorates the iconic march of August 1956, when approximately 20,000 women of all races marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest against apartheid laws. Sixty-eight years later, we find ourselves living in a modern South Africa where men and women of all races enjoy free rights of passage. In honor of Women's Month in South Africa, we are highlighting Simone Hattingh, one of our co-founders, to recognize her contributions and to inspire other women in South Africa and around the world.
In the beginning
The creation of fire is one of humankind's greatest achievements and arguably the starting point of our technological evolution. Making fire is an act of honoring our roots, and in a modern society where instant gratification and materialism reign supreme, Simone remains true to her roots. She is not afraid to get dirty, go barefoot, live in a tiny home, and be exposed to nature, and this is admirable. It might not always be comfortable, but it certainly makes you feel alive and is thrilling to be out there.
Growing up in South Africa has always presented elements of adventure and innovation, and it is at the meeting point of these two ingredients that Donkey Long Tong was founded. In her early twenties, Simone found herself amidst a work burnout – a term we are all familiar with but one which takes on a whole new meaning when experienced firsthand. Having never truly experienced the African bush camp experience before, Simone and her boyfriend (now husband) Marcel Hattingh decided to buy a Land Rover Defender. Two months later, they found themselves embarking on an adventure into Africa.
Lighting the fire
In the traditional sense, most men are in charge of making the fire while women are in the kitchen. However, Simone takes pride in her fire-building skills and played an instrumental part in the creation of the Donkey Long Tong product. The exact birth of the Long Tong project came as a practical solution to a modern-day fire problem. A couple of years ago, while braai'ing at her flat with Nic Eves (the third co-founder), Simone defined the product in one simple statement: "someone needs to invent a longer tong; my hands are always burning." This sparked the creation of the first Long Tong prototype and it literally started as an inside joke. Simone and Marcel took this tool on their next trip to the bush, and it was such a game changer that they contacted Nic for an urgent meeting in the Richtersveld. There, they pieced together the finer details of what is now known as the Donkey Long Tong.
Living the brand means that Simone gets to travel and live in nature more often than most, blurring the line between work and play. Time spent in our natural habitat is food for the soul, while also allowing for brainstorming sessions towards new products, testing prototypes, and generating marketing content. While adventure remains personal, working on trips does not require effort when you love what you do.
When passion and purpose collide, magic happens, and I like to think that this is one of those success stories.
Simone's fire-making tips:
- Fire is best made straight on the ground
- As soon as the car is parked, the first thing to do is grab some stones to pack the fire circle
- Set out to gather wood and kindling if the location allows
- You won't need any firelighters if you have dry wood, dry grass, and some smaller twigs available
- The best fire tools like the Donkey Blower to get a constant flow of fresh air to the burning embers
As we celebrate Women's Month, it is important to highlight the achievements of women like Simone, who challenge traditional roles and break new ground in their fields. Her story sparks a fire of inspiration to embrace adventure, prioritize sustainability, and find joy in the simple, natural aspects of life. By doing so, we not only honor the legacy of the women who marched in 1956 but also pave the way for future generations of women to make their mark on the world.
Follow Simone to stay up to date with her adventures - Simone Hattingh on Instagram.
