A GROUP of residents from Knysna townships Hornlee, Wit Lokasie, Concordia and Nekkies marched along the N2 highway to the Pezula resort yesterday to protest against the dismissal of two employees.

Organised by the SACP, Cosatu and the ANC, the protesters made their way to Pezula, escorted by police. Organiser Velile Waxa claimed Pezula had fired five people and planned to dismiss a further 140 today.

Pezula spokesman Jeannine Orzechowski said the two had been dismissed on February 5 for jeopardising the company’s reputation, gross dishonesty, and failure to follow internal grievance procedures.

She said the dismissal followed full disciplinary hearings, chaired independently.

“Pezula has done nothing wrong and this is supported by a letter from the Department of Labour which completely exonerates Pezula from any wrongdoing whatsoever,” Orzechowski said.

“The department undertook an inspection at Pezula on January 29, and Pezula was found to be in complete compliance with all labour laws.”

Pezula suspected the march had a political agenda.

At one stage, the protesters chanted “no work, no France”, referring to the French soccer team’s booking of Pezula as its base during the soccer World Cup.