PRESIDENT Robert Mugabe has bemoaned the impact of extra-marital affairs saying men’s increasing indulgence in so-called “small houses” was harming families.

He was speaking at the wedding of his niece, Zalerah Tendayi, who exchanged vows with Tichatonga Makarin in Harare on Saturday.

“Meso meso awanda mazuva ano. There is an increase in ‘small houses’,” Mugabe said.

“I try to figure out what these ‘small houses’ are. But it just means those unions that are not supported by weddings and are there for pleasure only.”

Mugabe made the remarks with a straight face despite allegations he fathered children with current spouse Grace while still married to his late first wife, Sally, who died of a chronic kidney ailment 1992.

Grace, who is about 41 years Mugabe’s junior and previously worked as his secretary, was also reportedly still married to another man.

Meanwhile Mugabe jovially recalled his days as a teacher in Ghana when, he said, having worked abroad was an instant hit with the girls.

“The girls wanted the ‘been-tos’ which meant those who had been to England or America.

“They wanted them regardless of their marital status. They said the men’s wives had the ring and they had the men,” he said.

The President said society should work to preserve the marriage institution and urged the newly weds to be wary of unconstructive interference from relatives.

“With the family growing, there are some relatives who are constructive and others who are not. But as a young couple you should listen only and know what is right,” he said.