How politicians can help you de-stress and get a life

13 October 2016 - 09:04 By SUTHENTIRA GOVENDER
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A fun way for the politically aware to let off steam and vent their frustrations - Stressheadz, modelled on top politicians like Zuma, Malema and Zille can be abused without fear of an appeal to the Constitutional Court
A fun way for the politically aware to let off steam and vent their frustrations - Stressheadz, modelled on top politicians like Zuma, Malema and Zille can be abused without fear of an appeal to the Constitutional Court
Image: STRESSHEADZ

There's a new way for people to let off steam.

Now you can give Helen Zille a squeeze, crush Julius Malema or punch President Jacob Zuma.

The "Headz of SA", which include the faces of Zille, Juju and Zuma, are part of the Stressheadz collection - quirky little stress balls that can be collected and swapped.

Cape Town sisters Bonnie Floyd and Jenni Botha - the founders of Jon and Ben - created the heads to "incite a little amusement amidst our shared frustrations".

"Our creative strategy is to have as much fun as possible while being politically on the pulse in our social media posts and responses," the pair said.

The balls have been "given life" through people "using them to act out scenarios".

"The idea of Stressheadz was borne out of a couple of shared sentiments - one being our shared love for our diverse country and South Africans' way of making the best out of any bad situation.

"Equally, there were our shared frustrations with South Africa's leaders and their often unbelievable antics, be it a lack of action, corruption or just the mistakes we, the people, often have to pay for," said Floyd.

She said the Stressheadz were created to "help lighten frustration with a bit of humour by taking control into our own hands, metaphorically speaking".

"We believe Stressheadz could also relate to other public figures, not just those in politics."

Zille tweeted: "I've just received Jon and Ben's Zille stress-head to squash in moments of exasperation! Sales booming."

Floyd said the DA's Mmusi Maimane might be next on the list.

The stress balls were designed in collaboration with Cape Town design company Rabbit.

"The designs are crafted locally but because of limitations with local producers they are sent to China for production," Floyd said.

They retail at R89 a head.

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