.svg) | |
 Flag of the INTAF | |
| Agency overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | 1962 |
| Preceding agency |
|
| Dissolved | 1 June 1979 |
| Jurisdiction | Rhodesia |
| Headquarters | Salisbury, Rhodesia |
| Agency executive | |
| Child agencies | |
The Ministry of Internal Affairs, commonly referred to as INTAF (or Intaf), was a cabinet ministry of the Rhodesian government. One of Rhodesia's most important governmental departments, it was responsible for the welfare and development of the black African rural population. It played a significant role maintaining control of rural African villages during the Rhodesian Bush War.
Established by the British South Africa Company in 1894 as the Native Affairs Department, it was reconstituted in 1962 as the Ministry of Internal Affairs. It established administrative districts throughout Rhodesia. Each district was led by a white uniformed District Commissioner, who was assisted by a multiracial staff and security forces. As the Rhodesian Bush War began in the early 1970s, INTAF significantly expanded its security operations. It established a paramilitary force, which patrolled the rural areas. It also began intelligence-gathering and maintained the protected villages program. Upon Zimbabwe's internationally recognised independence in 1980, INTAF was disestablished and was succeeded by the Zimbabwean Ministry of Home Affairs.
INTAF was led by the Minister of Internal Affairs, who was appointed by Prime Minister of Rhodesia Ian Smith. William Harper was the first Minister of Internal Affairs, and Rollo Hayman was the last.