South Africa’s Competition Office has launched a probe into the alleged price fixing collusion attempt of several airlines catering to travelers of the planned 2010 Football World Cup.

The Commission has stated investigating several national airlines and British Airways’ Comair. South African Airways (SAA), which blew the whistle on the unfair practice, has asked for leniency from the authorities.

Despite denials of any investigations by most service providers in question the competition office has named BA Comair, , One Time, Mango Airlines, OneTime Airlines, South African Airways, SA Airlink and SA Express.

The airlines are said to have agreed to increase fare prices by as much as by 200% during the peak season of the 2010 World Cup, while another probe has been launched against hotels that plan to increase their rates by as much as 400% for the same season.

Source: Budapest Report (http://www.budapestreport.com/2010/02/01/south-african-airlines-blows-whistle-2010-world-cup-price-fixing/)

Once known as 'Dark City' because of its gun-toting gangsters, Alexandra township will become a shining light for the world when the Football for Hope Festival takes place there from July 4-10 this year.

Yesterday, the township reached an important milestone with inauguration of the official site for the festival.

Among the many guests attending the site inauguration were Johannesburg's member of the mayoral committee for community development, Bafana Sithole, 2010 Fifa World Cup Organising Committee South Africa CEO Danny Jordaan and Streetfootballworld Managing Director Jürgen Griesbeck.

"For the first time, the social dimension of the game will be celebrated as an official element of the FIFA World Cup," said a statement from FIFA President Sepp Blatter, who could not be present at the inauguration due to other commitments.

"We hope that the eyes of the world will be on Alexandra and we will create new heroes for this community.

"More than most, South Africans understand the importance of social development and the power of sport to influence positive social change, so the Football for Hope Festival is a key initiative for us.

"The world's best footballers will be in South Africa for the FIFA World Cup, but we believe the equally deserving footballers and incredible stories from around the world also warrant global recognition and we encourage people to come and attend the festival in Alexandra," said Jordaan.

"From the minefields of Cambodia to the slums of Nairobi, football can bring hope to the lives of young people," said Griesbeck.

"This festival will be a celebration of the people who dedicate their lives to helping others in their community using the game we all love."

Thirty-two teams of boys and girls from disadvantaged communities worldwide will gather in Johannesburg for a festival of education, culture and football during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The young people are selected for their contribution to building a better future in their communities.

Source: Goal.com (http://goal.com/en/news/1863/world-cup-2010/2010/03/27/1850518/world-cup-2010-alexandra-township-preparing-to-host-football-for-)