The Cabinet has expressed concern at what it terms the ill-advised plan by some businesses in South Africa to increase their prices ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, in order to make maximum profits.

Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan told journalists in Parliament that such moves have the potential of discouraging many soccer lovers from attending the tournament.

Gordhan says: “If we want 2010 to be a greater success than it is already going to be, all of us as South Africans must be clear that we are going to be friendly, welcoming people, hospitable, and charge a fair price for these things because sending a signal that we are exploiting people is not the right signal - when you actually want people to want to come to this country.”

As from April 15, South Africans will be able to buy World Cup tickets over the counter. Match, the company responsible for marketing and selling tickets for the tournament, says all nine host cities will have centres. It says about 19 others will start operating throughout the country.