- Sharon Washegear, an American living in Harare, Zimbabwe, has shared a candid look at daily life after spending more than a year in the country
- She highlighted frequent power cuts, household solar systems and prepaid electricity tokens, as well as growing avocados in her garden
- Her comments about having a maid and gardener sparked reactions from Zimbabweans and former residents, with some sharing their own experiences of life in the country
An American woman living in Zimbabwe has sparked online discussion after sharing an honest account of her daily life in Harare, describing the conveniences and adjustments that have shaped her experience abroad.
Source: Facebook
Sharon Washegear posted a video on Facebook on April 16, 2026, showing parts of her home, garden and everyday routine. Her vlog offered viewers a glimpse into how she has adapted to life in Zimbabwe after more than a year in the country.
From managing electricity during power cuts to enjoying fresh produce from her garden, Washegear highlighted several differences between life in Zimbabwe and her home country, the United States.
American woman explains how households manage power cuts in Zimbabwe
One of the main issues Washegear discussed was electricity, explaining that frequent power cuts have made solar energy an important feature of everyday life for many households.
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Her property has a solar power system and a solar-powered water heater, which help her household manage interruptions to the electricity supply.
She also explained that buying electricity in Zimbabwe works differently from the monthly billing system familiar to many Americans.
Residents can purchase prepaid electricity tokens at participating shops, including Spar and Pick n Pay, and enter the supplied number into a meter at home to load electricity credit.
Washegear described how customers can choose how much electricity to buy depending on their budgets.
"You can get $10 (KSh 1,290), you can get $50 (KSh 6,450), you can get $200 (KSh 25,800), it's just like what you can afford," she explained.
Her account illustrated how households adapt their electricity use and spending to the country's power supply arrangements.
She shows off avocado trees and her home garden
Washegear also took viewers outside to show them two avocado trees growing on her property, including one from which she had recently harvested fruit.
Her gardener had planted additional crops that she initially identified as watermelons. However, some viewers pointed out in the comments that the plants appeared to be pumpkins or squash.
She also mentioned a leafy green vegetable known as muriwo, which is commonly eaten in Zimbabwe. Muriwo is a Shona term broadly used for leafy vegetables served as part of everyday meals.
The garden offered another glimpse into her domestic routine, showing how she enjoys fresh produce grown at home as reported by Briefly News.
American says household staff have changed her daily routine
One of the most widely discussed parts of Washegear's video was her description of having household staff.
She explained that she and her fiancé do their own cooking, while a maid and a gardener help with other domestic responsibilities. According to her account, the workers live on the property and work from Monday to Friday.
Having help with tasks such as laundry, washing dishes and cleaning has changed how she views everyday life.
Reflecting on the experience, she said: "I don't know how I can go back to America after being spoiled like this, honestly."
Her comments prompted discussion about domestic employment, household arrangements and the differences between living in Zimbabwe and the United States.
However, household staffing arrangements vary according to income, location and individual circumstances, and her experience does not necessarily represent that of every family in Zimbabwe.
View the Facebook video below:
Zimbabweans react to the American woman's experience
Washegear's video attracted responses from Zimbabweans and people who had previously lived in the country. Some praised Zimbabwe's safety, while others added local context to her observations.
Simba Raynold Mujuru : "You forgot to mention... Zimbabwe is peaceful, no guns in the street, and you leave your passport and travelling documents at home. Foreigners walk freely. ❤ ZIMBABWE ❤"
Prichard Guangzhou: "There is no so-called Dudula in Zimbabwe... The sky is the limit, you don't have to carry your passport or visa when travelling on streets."
Lighton BaMumu Mufudzi reacted to the garden footage: "Those are pumpkins not watermelons lol"
Khanyi Savanna Creek added a comment about electricity supply in another part of the country, joking: "In Kariba, we rarely have power cuts... because home ground privilege 😜"
The responses showed how viewers connected with different aspects of Washegear's account, from everyday conveniences and electricity challenges to perceptions of safety and regional differences.
Her vlog ultimately offered a personal perspective on settling into life in Harare, highlighting both the adjustments involved and the routines she has come to appreciate.
Zimbabwe plans KSh 83.9 billion solar project
TUKO.co.ke reported that Zimbabwe approved a solar power project worth approximately KSh 83.9 billion to help address electricity shortages.
The planned 600-megawatt floating solar plant on Lake Kariba is expected to complement hydropower generation and strengthen the country’s electricity supply.
Low water levels at Kariba Dam have previously reduced hydropower output, contributing to power cuts in Zimbabwe.
Source: TUKO.co.ke