IN Kadoma, a unique architectural style known as "Misana Yenzou" tells a story of the city's complex past.
Translating to "the back of an elephant," the name derives from the houses' distinctive curved, oval-shaped roofs.
These structures date back to the colonial era when the city was known as Gatooma, built to house African migrants drawn to the area's booming mining and industrial sectors.
The Misana Yenzou houses were a product of their time, reflecting the racial and spatial segregation policies of colonial Rhodesia.
Designed to be simple, functional, and affordable, they provided basic shelter for the growing working-class population.
They were constructed from local materials like brick and mud, typically small, consisting of just one or a few rooms.
According to the City of Kadoma's director of housing, Aaron Masembura, these iconic structures serve as a testament to the city's evolution.
"These iconic structures are believed to have originated from the colonial era, designed to provide simple and affordable housing for African migrants working in Kadoma's mining and industrial sectors, hence the name 'Misana Yenzou,' which translates to 'back of an elephant' due to the houses' distinctive oval shape," Masembura said.
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“They have a rich history dating back to the colonial era, serving as a testament to Kadoma's cultural heritage." For residents, these houses were more than just structures; they were homes filled with life and memory.
They were also known by other names: "Nissan Houses" and, more affectionately, "Ma ten ten."
This colloquial nickname originated from the 10 shillings (or pounds) in rent residents paid to the Gatooma Council. "I remember my parents struggling to make ends meet, but they'd always manage to pay the 10 shillings on time,” a local resident, Phyllis Gurure, said. “The 'ma ten ten' houses were more than just a place to live; they were a symbol of our resilience and determination.”
Elderly residents who grew up in these houses recall them with a mix of nostalgia and acknowledgment of their simplicity. "I remember growing up in these Misana Yenzou houses; they were simple but felt like home," said Tapfumaneyi William.
"We did not have much, but we made do with what we had. The oval shape was quite unique, and it always felt cozy inside." Another elderly resident, Gladys Lifasi, added: “These houses hold a special place in my heart. “I lived in a one roomed house with my family, and we had some of the best times of our lives there.
They may not have been the most elegant, but they have a certain charm." A senior citizen, Mebo Chapita, highlighted their historical significance. "The Misana Yenzou houses were more than just homes; they were a part of our history. “They reminded us of the struggles our ancestors faced and the resilience they showed,” Chapita said. Streets like Madombi Street (commonly known as "First Street"), Chirimanyemba Street, Masvaure, and Dominic were once lined with these iconic homes.
While most of them have been demolished over time to make way for modern development, the city council has made efforts to preserve this important piece of its heritage.
Two original Misana Yenzou houses have been deliberately retained as a tangible link to the past. According to former mayor Fani Phanuel Phiri, renovation projects in wards 2 and 7 demonstrate the city's commitment to honouring its history while improving living conditions.
“These remaining structures stand as a physical testament to Kadoma's history and cultural identity, ensuring that the story of the "back of an elephant" houses and the community that lived in them is not forgotten,” Phiri said.
