Ekurhuleni Metro in the North West province is currently re-evaluating its tender for the provision of Xbox games in three of its libraries. The decision comes after the Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus) raised concerns about certain games that may incite violence and the exorbitant cost of the tender.
The FF Plus has clarified that it does not oppose the procurement of Xbox consoles, but it believes that their use should be closely monitored and primarily employed for educational purposes or as rewards for hardworking learners. However, the inclusion of games such as FIFA2023, Call of Duty, Mortal Kombat 11, Minecraft Dungeons, and unspecified Lego Star Wars games in the tender advertisement has alarmed the party.
One particular game, Mortal Kombat 11, is notorious for its brutal portrayal of violence and holds no educational value. Similarly, Modern Warfare, which allows online gameplay for players of all ages, frequently involves vulgar language and personal insults. The FF Plus contends that these elements are not suitable for children and have an age restriction of 18.
While the Metro argues that incorporating Xbox consoles and games into the new school curriculum aligns with the fourth industrial revolution, the FF Plus asserts that their use must be sensible and in line with the appropriate age restrictions.
In response to the FF Plus’s concerns, Karin Muller, the Metro’s head of libraries, has confirmed that the procurement of the disputed games will undergo a thorough re-evaluation process. However, no final decision has been reached at this stage.
Should the Metro fail to modify the game selection, the FF Plus intends to exert pressure to ensure strict adherence to age restrictions.
Furthermore, the FF Plus has criticized the tender’s cost of R200,000 as excessive. The party argues that Xbox consoles are readily available on the free market for only R12,000 each, making the tender amount unacceptable.
The FF Plus’s intervention has prompted a re-evaluation of the Xbox games tender, emphasizing the need for responsible gaming choices within the educational sphere. As discussions and evaluations continue, the outcome will determine whether Ekurhuleni Metro adjusts its gaming selection to prioritize educational value and ensures that age restrictions are properly enforced.
