INTAF

INTAF is an abbreviation for the paramilitary wing of the Rhodesian Ministry of Internal Affairs, predominantly used during the Rhodesian Bush War.

Early history

In 1894 the British South Africa Company established the Native Affairs Department^[1] to be responsible for the welfare of black Africans living on tribal trust lands. Head of the Department was the Administrator in Council, beneath him was the Secretary for Native Affairs. Under the Secretary were the two Chief Native Commissioners of Matabeleland and Mashonaland. Under the Chief Native Commissioners were Native Commissioners who were responsible for the administration of their tribal districts and sub-districts. They were assisted by Assistant Native Commissioners^[2]with the organisation having its own native police force.

In 1962 the Native Affairs Department was renamed the Ministry of Internal Affairs with Native Commissioners renamed District Commissioners.^[3]

Rhodesian Bush War

Internal Affairs personnel played a prominent role in the war. They served at Joint Operational Centers and were involved in setting up the protected villages program. The paramilitary “Guard Force,” later responsible for security of the protected villages, also came under Intaf control. Members of Intaf initially wore a khaki uniform with a red beret, but at the later stage of the war also wore camouflage.

Under the new Mugabe regime the organisation became the Ministry of Home Affairs (Zimbabwe).

Notes

1. ^ http://www.rhodesianforces.org/InternalAffiars.htm
2. ^ p.530 Keppel-Jones, Arthur Rhodes and Rhodesia: The White Conquest of Zimbabwe, 1884-1902 McGill-Queen's Press - MQUP, 1983
3. ^ p.21 Weinrich, A. K. H. Chiefs and Councils in Rhodesia: Transition from Patriarchal to Bureaucratic Power Heinemann, 1971

External links

• website of an ex-Intaf member, Dudley Wall
• Rhodesian Forces website