Charles Hilary Biography
Charles Hilary was born on March 23, 1959, in Zanzibar City, Tanzania. From his earliest days, he showed a natural gift for communication. He attended local schools in Zanzibar, where teachers noticed his clear speaking voice and his ability to connect with classmates. After finishing secondary school, Charles pursued studies in mass communication, determined to build a career in journalism. Charles Hilary was 66 years old as of 2025.
He began his professional journey as a radio presenter at Radio Tanzania Dar es Salaam (RTD). His warm, engaging delivery quickly won him fans across the islands. Listeners tuned in not only for the news he read, but for the lightness he brought to the airwaves. His success at RTD led him to join Radio One, where he expanded his skills by producing and hosting in-depth news magazines. Over the years, he covered critical stories—from local elections to cultural festivals—always ensuring his reports remained balanced and factual.
Driven by a desire to broaden his horizons, Charles accepted an offer from the BBC Swahili Service in the United Kingdom. There, he worked alongside some of East Africa’s most respected journalists, producing radio features that reached millions across the continent. His time at the BBC sharpened his editorial judgment and introduced him to new production techniques. After several years in London, he returned to Tanzania with a wealth of international experience.
Back home, he joined Azam TV, where he helped launch talk shows and documentary series in Swahili. His programs tackled issues like youth unemployment, healthcare access, and environmental protection, always with a goal of informing and empowering viewers. By the time President Hussein Ali Mwinyi appointed him Director of Presidential Communications in 2021, Charles had built a reputation as a fair, thoughtful journalist committed to service.
On February 6, 2023, he was named Government Chief Spokesperson for the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar. In this role, he managed official statements, organized press briefings, and guided the new generation of public information officers in both policy clarity and ethical standards. His leadership helped the government strengthen trust with citizens, especially during times of crisis.
Charles Hilary Career
In 2021, President Hussein Ali Mwinyi appointed Charles Hilary as Director of Presidential Communications for the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar. In this key post, he managed press releases, organized media briefings, and advised on strategic messaging. His office coordinated announcements on policy reforms, infrastructure projects, and regional collaborations. Charles approached each task with meticulous care: press statements were accurate and timely, and interviews showcased the government’s commitment to transparency.
On February 6, 2023, his role grew further when President Mwinyi named him Government Chief Spokesperson. In this capacity, Charles served as the public face of the Revolutionary Council, addressing both local and international media during crises and milestones alike. Under his guidance, spokespersons across ministries adopted clearer protocols and storytelling techniques, ensuring that every announcement resonated with citizens from all walks of life.
Beyond his government roles, Charles never abandoned his passion for mentorship. He led workshops for young journalists at the Zanzibar Media Centre, teaching fundamentals of reporting, ethics, and digital storytelling. He believed that media could shape a nation’s future by empowering its people to ask questions, seek truth, and hold leaders accountable. His protégés today occupy key roles in Tanzania’s print, radio, and television sectors, carrying forward his dedication to professionalism.
Charles Hilary’s tenure spanned pivotal moments: elections, public health campaigns, and international forums on tourism and conservation. He coordinated live broadcasts during state visits and guided journalists through complex subjects like climate resilience. His calm, measured briefings earned praise for reducing misunderstanding and building trust between the government and the public.
Charles Hilary Death
On May 11, 2025, Charles Hilary passed away after a brief illness. His sudden departure shocked the nation and left a void in the media community. In a message posted on her X page, President Samia Suluhu Hassan expressed her deep sorrow, noting Charles’s more than forty years of dedicated service in radio and television and his mentorship of young journalists. She extended condolences to President Hussein Mwinyi, Charles’s family, relatives, friends, and all media stakeholders, praying that God would grant them strength and patience.
The official announcement from Zanzibar State House described his illness as short but severe. Colleagues recall that Charles did not speak much about his health; he continued working and drafting official statements until days before his hospitalization. His commitment to clear, honest communication remained unwavering to the end. On the morning of May 11, medical staff confirmed his passing at a local hospital, marking the close of a life spent in service to truth and community.
Conclusion
Charles Hilary’s life was defined by his voice—warm on air, firm in principle, and open in mentorship. From the studios of Dar es Salaam to the halls of government, he upheld journalistic integrity and sought to bring Zanzibaris closer together through information and dialogue. Though he has gone, his legacy lives on in the journalists he trained, the policies he helped clarify, and the stories he told with both passion and care. His journey reminds us that a clear voice, guided by honesty and empathy, can shape a nation’s conversation and leave a lasting mark on its history.
FAQs
What roles did Charles Hilary hold in Zanzibar’s government?
He served as Director of Presidential Communications from 2021 and was appointed Government Chief Spokesperson on February 6, 2023.
How long did Charles Hilary work in media?
His career spanned more than forty years, beginning at RTD and Radio One, then at BBC Swahili Service and Azam TV.
What legacy did Charles Hilary leave behind?
He left a legacy of transparent communication, ethical journalism, and empowered media professionals across Tanzania.
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