INTAF

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

Early history

In 1894 the British South Africa Company established the Native Affairs Department to be responsible for the welfare of black Africans living on tribal trust lands. The 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. The organization operated its own native police force.

In 1962 the Native Affairs Department was renamed the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Following the ranks of the Colonial Service, the Native Commissioners were renamed District Commissioners.

Rhodesian Bush War

Main article: Rhodesian Bush War

Internal Affairs personnel played a prominent role in the war. They served at Joint Operational Centres and were involved in setting up the protected villages program. The paramilitary "Guard Force,” later became responsible for security of the protected villages INTAF controlled this force.

Members of INTAF initially wore a khaki uniform formerly worn by the Rhodesian Army with a red beret or a slouch hat with red puggaree, but later wore camouflage.

Under the Robert Mugabe regime the organisation became the Ministry of Home Affairs.

External links

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