The Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Ambassador Dr. Pindi Chana, has elevated two senior officers of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA) to the rank of Deputy Commissioner for Conservation and witnessed the promotion of five others to Senior Assistant Conservation Commissioners, in a ceremony aimed at strengthening leadership within one of Tanzania’s most iconic conservation sites.
Dr. Chana promoted Joas John Makwati to Deputy Commissioner overseeing protection, tourism, and community development, while Aidan Paul Makalla was named Deputy Commissioner responsible for NCAA’s corporate services.
The promotions reflect the government’s ongoing efforts to reinforce leadership and operational excellence in the management of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
The ceremony, held at NCAA headquarters in Arusha, was presided over by the Chairperson of the NCAA Board of Directors, Retired General Venance Mabeyo, who promoted five senior officers to the level of Senior Assistant Conservation Commissioner.
The officers are Gasper Stanley Lyimo, who will lead planning and investment; Paul Geoffrey Shaidi, responsible for legal services; Charles Marwa Wangwe, head of finance and accounting; Godwin Felician Kashaga, in charge of internal audit; and Mariam Kobelo, who moved up from Principal Tourism Officer to oversee tourism and marketing.
Addressing the newly promoted officers, Dr. Chana urged them to uphold discipline, commitment, and transparency as they assume higher responsibilities.
She emphasized that with leadership comes the obligation to inspire others and deliver tangible results in conserving Ngorongoro’s unique ecosystem and promoting it as a top-tier global destination.
“I expect each one of you to be a role model and lead by example. Your loyalty and professionalism will be key in safeguarding the natural and cultural heritage entrusted to us,” she said.
NCAA Conservation Commissioner Abdul-Razak Badru noted that the authority has shifted from a civilian structure to one where all staff are trained in a quasi-military style to enhance discipline and operational effectiveness in managing tourism, community empowerment, and heritage protection.
General Mabeyo echoed these sentiments, stressing that leadership integrity is critical to the future of Ngorongoro.
He said the newly promoted officers are expected to steer the authority toward excellence, especially after the area was recently named Africa’s Leading Tourist Attraction for 2025.
He also commended the government and stakeholders for their continued support in sustaining conservation and tourism development efforts.
