The FF Plus is pleased to learn that the Ekurhuleni Metro is re-evaluating its tender for providing Xbox games in three of its libraries because some games may incite violence.
The party is not opposed to procuring Xbox consoles. It must, however, be closely monitored and used to teach learners about the latest technology, or to reward them on Fridays after having worked hard the whole week. That was the initial objective.
The latest phenomenon to include certain games in the tender advertisement is alarming, though.
Games like FIFA2023, Call of Duty, Mortal Kombat 11, Minecraft Dungeons and other unspecified Lego Star Wars games have no educational value.
Mortal Kombat 11 is notorious for its brutality and is nothing but a visual portrayal of violence.
Modern Warfare can also be played online by players of all ages. Vulgar language and personal insults are at the order of the day.
The other games also contain components of violence, which could impact children negatively.
The games have an age restriction of 18, which clearly makes them inappropriate.
The Metro is of the opinion that using Xbox consoles and games in the new school curriculum is in line with the fourth industrial revolution, but the FF Plus believes that it must be used sensibly.
After the tender process was completed, the FF Plus contacted the Metro’s head of libraries, Karin Muller, to voice its concern about the matter.
She indicated that the procurement of the said games will be re-evaluated. The process is still underway.
If the Metro does not change the games, the FF Plus will put pressure on the Metro to ensure that the age restriction is strictly enforced.
The party, furthermore, views the tender of R200 000 as exorbitant seeing as the consoles can be bought on the free market for R12 000 each. It is unacceptable.
