Golf icon Tiger Woods’s demise, largely linked to his recently unearthed extra-marital affairs, provides some fascinating reading and opportunities for local men’s self introspection. Code named "small house" in Zimbabwe, the phenomenon has kept many a wife on extremely high alert by trying to outdo some daring husband snatchers.

"James recently walked out on me and is now staying in a city apartment with his "small house", my former best friend Martina. It started like a meaningless affair but it has grown as strong as to cost me my marriage and our children now miss their father so much. I am now only left with our wedding day photograph hung on the wall," recounts Miriro, a devastated school teacher.   

Sticking to one partner
Culturally, it was prestigious for a man to marry many wives in order to produce many children but the advent of Christianity introduced the one-man-one-wife concept which is now under serious threat. The HIV/AIDS pandemic has further reinforced the need to stick to one partner. Radio and television communications strategies which include strongly worded advertisements scripted as follows are used to change behaviour:

“Do you know what your 'small house' does when you are not around?” Frightening scenarios are then dramatized in order to discourage philandering: “Your small house Mary has sex with Jonah, who also has an affair with Nyarai, who in turn sleeps around with Themba and many long distance truck drivers…” But still, this does not seem strong enough a message to scare off  some wayward married men from their escapades which pose serious dangers of spreading deadly diseases to their innocent wives back home.

Wives also to blame
According to some men, their supposedly nagging and uncharismatic wives are to blame for the migration to "small houses", which are well known for having risky, multiple partners.

“Unlike Lillian my unappreciative and abusive wife, my girlfriend Mutsa is kind, gentle, caring and extremely loving. She is neat and cooks delicious food besides always keeping my clothes neat. She knows how to handle me with care even during all my ups and downs. I cannot afford to be away from her for much longer.” says Danny, a confessed wife batterer. 

No everlasting joy
Do "small houses" ever bring any true and everlasting joy? “None at all,”  explains victimized Tapiwa Sigauke, “except for misery and sometimes death due to diseases and violent clashes among rival suitors, because of men’s uncontrollable lust and women’s love of money and riches. Wives and children end up as destitute and beggars while never-ending inheritance disputes also arise. In fact, some "small houses" are kept a closely guarded secret, only to surface at the man’s funeral when all illegitimate children are paraded for the first time for the extended family to adopt them. How unfair?”

Many lessons emerge from Tiger Woods’ voracious sexual appetite leading to his downfall. Loss of huge corporate earnings, dissociation of his face or name from famous product brands and deprivation of many golf lovers from watching his rare display of talent in the sport. Similarly, the "small house" phenomenon shall remain a huge liability and major setback to family life in Zimbabwe, regardless of status.