Watch: Nzimande jokes that #StudentsMustFall

A video of Higher Education minister Blade Nzimande joking that government will start its own movement against protesting students, has caused upset online.

The video went viral on social media amid a fourth day of student protests across the country, with university students fighting against increased tuition fees, and the “colonised structures” of higher education in the country.

According to eNCA, which broadcast the video, Nzimande’s statements were made in jest, prior a press briefing on Wednesday (21 October).

In the video, Nzimande quips “If the students don’t accept this (government’s position), we will start a movement of our own: Students must fall”.

However, the minister’s laughter has rubbed students up the wrong way – clearly not in a joking mood, following a peaceful protest outside parliament which was met with a disproportionately violent response from the South African Police Service (SAPS).

His comment caused the #StudentsMustFall tag to trend on Twitter, where much of the student movement has played out – along with the tag #BladeMustFall, and calls for the minister to be fired.

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