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[1] 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.[2]:530 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.[3]

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.[4][5]

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

Notes

  1. ↑ "Ministry of Internal Affairs, Rhodesia". Rhodesianforces.org. Retrieved 2013-10-30.
  2. ↑ Keppel-Jones, Arthur (1983). Rhodes and Rhodesia: The White Conquest of Zimbabwe, 1884–1902. McGill-Queen's Press – MQUP.
  3. ↑ Weinrich, A. K. H. Chiefs and Councils in Rhodesia: Transition from Patriarchal to Bureaucratic Power Heinemann, 1971 p.21
  4. ↑ Wall, Dudley. Intaf Rank Insignia - Rhodesia http://www.freewebs.com/dudleywall/intafrankinsignia.htm. Retrieved 14 October 2014. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  5. ↑ Wall, Dudley (2009). Insignia and History of the Rhodesian Armed Forces. 1890-1980. (4th ed.). Durban, South Africa: Just Done Productions Publishing (published 25 November 2009). ISBN 978-1-920315-53-5. Retrieved 14 October 2014.

External links

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