In a world increasingly packed by misinformation, the role of journalists has never been more critical. 

At the forefront of this battle in Tanzania stands Esau Ng’umbi, a passionate multimedia journalist whose journey from a high school radio enthusiast to a leading fact-checking trainer is nothing short of inspiring.

Here’s a closer look at his professional journey and the key milestones that have defined his success.

Who is Esau Ng’umbi?

Esau Ng’umbi is a multimedia journalist and fact-checker at Nukta Africa who specializes in data visualization, multimedia storytelling, documentary production, feature stories, fact-checking training, and voice-over artistry.

He is currently the editorial coordinator, leading the company’s content production and editorial operations including managing Nukta Habari, JikoPoint websites and Nukta TV. Also, he works as a trainer for Kozica platform, Nukta Africa product. 

Esau holds a B.A. in Mass Communication from St. Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT) in Mwanza city.

He previously worked with several organizations including Saut-FM, Iqra FM Radio, Metro FM and Shamba FM Radio in Iringa, southern Tanzania.

A passion ignited

Esau’s love for journalism was not a mere coincidence; it was a fire ignited during his high school years.

“Journalism has been my passion since high school,” Esau reflects, “it was during my advanced level studies where I actively engaged in broadcasting news to the public through radios.”

This early exposure to the power of storytelling shaped his career aspirations and set him on a path that would later lead to significant contributions in the media industry.

For Esau, journalism was more than just a profession; it was a means to communicate with the community, to give a voice to the voiceless, and to highlight socio-economic issues that mattered to ordinary people.

“Journalism is the best way to make people’s voices be heard,” he explains, “People have a lot to say concerning their lives - their struggles, successes, challenges, and more.”

Building a foundation in the media

Esau’s professional journey began in Mwanza after graduating from university, where he took on roles as a presenter and analyst for various radio stations, including Iqra and Metro FM. 

These early experiences were pivotal, providing him with a solid foundation in journalism.

He later became a program manager and presenter at Shamba FMRadio in Iringa, where he continued to hone his skills and broaden his understanding of the industry.

However, the road was not without its challenges. Esau faced significant obstacles, particularly in dealing with inexperienced management within the media industry. 

“One of the biggest challenges I faced was the lack of experience and knowledge in media management,” Esau recalls.

Despite these hurdles, his passion for journalism and commitment to best practices kept him going.

The leap to Nukta Africa

Esau’s decision to join Nukta Africa was heavily influenced by his brother’s positive experiences at the organization. 

Nukta Africa offered not just a job, but a supportive environment where Esau could continue to grow and develop his skills.

As the editorial coordinator, he found himself not only managing content production but also mentoring others - a responsibility he took to heart.

“People who were my mentors took my hands and helped me in my journey for journalism, and I am supposed to do the same for others,” he says.

Becoming a fact-checking advocate

Esau’s journey into fact-checking began with a two-week training program in South Africa, conducted in February this year by Africa-Check in collaboration with Google. 

This training was a turning point, equipping him with the skills needed to become a certified fact-checking trainer. But his interest in fact-checking had already been brewing long before this formal training.

At Nukta Africa, Esau had been practicing fact-checking through their product, Nukta Fakti, and this experience solidified his commitment to combating misinformation.

Esau is acutely aware of the challenges that Tanzania journalists face in this digital age.

“First is the lack of education and knowledge about misinformation and disinformation,” he points out.

He also notes the pressure journalists face to be the first to report stories, often at the expense of accuracy. This, combined with the commercialization of sensational headlines, has led to a proliferation of misinformation.

Making an impact

Through his training programs, Esau focuses on imparting essential fact-checking skills, such as source verification, data cross-referencing, and the use of verification tools. 

His efforts have already borne fruit, with trainees like a journalist from Msasa Media going on to become effective fact-checkers, actively debunking misinformation on social media.

Looking to the future, Esau has ambitious plans to further enhance fact-checking training in Tanzania. 

He intends to use debates, social media, and collaborations with other organizations to ensure that fact-checking becomes an integral part of journalism in the country.

“I will use every resource I have to make sure that people understand what is fact-checking,” Esau says with determination.

Why Esau’s story matters

Esau’s journey towards becoming a fact-checking journalist and trainer is a testament to the power of dedication, resilience, and a commitment to truth.

In a time when misinformation can have serious consequences, his work is not just about correcting false information - it’s about empowering journalists to uphold the integrity of their profession.

Esau’s story matters because it highlights the importance of fact-checking in maintaining a truthful media landscape, not just in Tanzania, but globally.

For emerging journalists, Esau’s advice is clear, “apply best practices, seek guidance from credible organizations like Nukta Africa, and be passionate about fact-checking. You cannot be a good fact-checker if you can’t apply the best practices in journalism.”

Esau’s contributions to the field of journalism, particularly in fact-checking, are invaluable.

As misinformation continues to pose challenges worldwide, his work stands as a beacon of hope for a more informed and truthful future.