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.

As the Rhodesian Bush War began in the early 1970s, INTAF significantly expanded its security operations.

Upon Zimbabwe's internationally recognised independence in 1980, INTAF was disestablished and was succeeded by the Zimbabwean Ministry of Home Affairs.

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 in the colony of Southern Rhodesia.

[5] Harper, a staunch conservative seen as a rival to Rhodesian Prime Minister Ian Smith, resigned from political office on 11 July 1968.

Smith also introduced plans for black Rhodesians to be required to carry identity cards when working outside of designated areas.

[citation needed] After the May 1972 Pearce Commission verdict against the provisional independence proposal, Smith advised black Rhodesians in June 1972 that they would have to rely on themselves to improve their position, and that external assistance would not be available.

Upon the dissolution of Rhodesia and the independence of Zimbabwe in 1980 through the Lancaster House Agreement, INTAF was dissolved and replaced with the Zimbabwean Ministry of Home Affairs.

As the war progressed, Intaf formed an elite military branch called the Administrative Reinforcement Units (ARU); these consisted of eight troops (one for each province).

Intaf maintained light aircraft for transport and reconnaissance, of which one was destroyed by a landmine whilst taxing, some received minor damage from ground fire and one had near miss from a surface to air missile during the Bush War.

INTAF's expanded duties during the Rhodesian Bush War corresponded with a great increase in its budget.