There are calls for Free State University Vice-Chancellor Jonathan Jansen to be fired following his decision to allow four students involved in making a humiliating video in which black staff are made to take part in a mock initiation to return to campus.

The criminal charges have however not been dropped.

COSATU has slammed Jansen’s decision and Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande has warned the decision has caused further divisions at the institution.

The minister said he was worried the decision to withdraw charges threatened to undermine government’s efforts to root out racism and all forms of discrimination at higher education institutions.

He also said his department could not allow victims of racism to be unconditional unilateral forgivers.

Nzimande has joined the African National Congress and Democratic Alliance leader Helen Zille in expressing shock and disapproval over the decision, saying it will cause controversy. But Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu saluted Jansen for allowing the students to return and complete their studies.

The four are expected to appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court next week.