Green City Estate Faces Labor Scrutiny Over Resident Security Shifts

Green City Estate in Abia is accused of requiring residents to guard the development for up to 12 hours daily in exchange for monthly food parcels. Labour and Employment Minister Tšeliso Mokhosi and Abia legislator Thuso Makhalanyane condemned the practice. Green City director Mahesh Patel denied that the arrangement constitutes employment, stating it is a voluntary extension of community policing activities.

The practice has drawn sharp criticism from government officials, who questioned the reliance on community policing volunteers for private security. The arrangement, which was facilitated through local chiefs, challenges the operational model of the private development.