His unmatched voice in the radio industry and the zeal to reach the masses locally and globally was abruptly shut on the wee hours of Sunday, May 11, 2025, at the Muhimbili national hospital, Mloganzila branch, where the seasoned journalist Charles Hillary Martin Nkwanga took his last breath.
Known for his deep voice when anchoring news both on Radio and TV and reporting sports worldwide, Charles Hillary was taken ill on Sunday morning and was immediately rushed to the Muhimbili national hospital but he died while undergoing treatment, according to a reports from the Communication department, Zanzibar Statehouse.
Until his death, the ever jovial Charles Hillary served as the Director of Communications at the Zanzibar Statehouse, a position he held since December, 30, 2021. He remained the official government of Zanzibar Spokesperson.
Seasoned
The veteran journalist started his career back in 1981 at Radio Tanzania and served until 1994 before he moved 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.
A saddened Zanzibar Government Secretary General Engineer Zena Ahmed Said confirmed the unfortunate news, sending the government condolences to the family and the larger media fraternity globally.
Hillary, also served at the Azam TV between 2015 to 2023 before receiving the Zanzibar Statehouse Director of Communication and official Spokesperson plumb job.
Most journalists who passed through his hands, they have singled him out as a generous person who vested his selfless nature in nurturing talents.
He loved his job and for him, journalism was a true calling he enjoyed until his death.
“Charles Hillary Martin Nkwanga died aged 66, sending the media fraternity globally into a shock.
According to Zanzibar Statehouse Secretary General Zena Ahmed Said, burial plans and date will be communicated in due course.
Embeded is a link of one of his football livecast[https://web.facebook.com/athumanikahoki78/videos/1743835316168647]
