Smash That is established to provide a socially acceptable way of addressing pent-up frustration by breaking or smashing objects. This is done in a safe, controlled, and non-judgemental environment.

Established by Hanlie Kapp and Stephan van der Merwe, Smash That hopes to contribute positively to the mental health of people who work and live in the greater Tshwane area. Mental health has been brought to the forefront worldwide in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The World Health Organization states that “fear, worry, and stress are normal responses to perceived or real threats”. The perceived real threats impact mental health as it leads to anxiety and frustration, which in turn manifests as anger.

A rage room can be referred to as a rage cage or smash room and its origins can be traced back to Japan around 2008. From here the concept spread worldwide, and more recently to South Africa.

We prefer to call it a smash room, as people visit it to have fun and break things thereby releasing pent-up stress. We encourage clients to visit the smash room to de-stress before their frustration turns into unmanageable anger or even burnout. This is not an outlet or advisable treatment for people who experience high levels of anger or those who might require anger management.  

While this is a relatively safe environment, there are possible risks to injury. We thus require clients to wear safety gear and sign a liability waiver. Participants have to be 18 years and older if using the room alone. Children 13 and older must be accompanied by a parent.

We provide the items for smashing, the tools, and a Bluetooth speaker for clients to rock out to their favourite tunes.