Zanzibar government spokesperson and veteran journalist Charles Hilary dies at 66
Charles Hilary
What you need to know:
- He began his media journey in 1981 at Radio Tanzania and served there until 1994 before moving to Radio One Stereo. In 2003, he joined the German broadcaster Deutsche Welle (DW) and later, in 2006, became part of the BBC Swahili Service, where he gained regional recognition.
Dar es Salaam. Veteran journalist and Director of the Communication Department at the Zanzibar State House, Charles Hilary has passed away at the age of 66.
Hilary died in the early hours of Sunday, May 11, 2025, after suddenly falling ill, the Zanzibar Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) said in a statement.
He passed away while being rushed to the Muhimbili National Hospital's Mloganzila branch for treatment.
With a journalism career spanning over four decades, Hilary was widely respected for his voice and work in broadcast media across Tanzania and beyond.
He began his media journey in 1981 at Radio Tanzania and served there until 1994 before moving to Radio One Stereo. In 2003, he joined the German broadcaster Deutsche Welle (DW) and later, in 2006, became part of the BBC Swahili Service, where he gained regional recognition.
In 2015, Hilary returned to Tanzania and joined Azam Media, where he played a key role in shaping local news coverage.
On December 30, 2021, Hilary was appointed Director of the Communications at the Zanzibar State House, serving as the Chief Government Spokesperson. His tenure was marked by efforts to enhance public communication and transparency within the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar.
He is remembered as a seasoned broadcaster
