Black professionals feel that barriers still exist in various sectors of the economy that undermine meaningful participation of black people.

This “widely held” view was expressed by black professionals during a meeting with President Jacob Zuma on Friday‚ according to a statement by the Presidency. 

“It was suggested that if the objective of economic inclusion is to be met‚ the economic empowerment of the historically disadvantaged has to be at the centre of economic policy in South Africa‚” it said.

“Economic empowerment should not only benefit a few who are also marginal shareholders in white controlled companies. Black economic empowerment should entail meaningful participation of black people as owners of enterprises and companies‚ as chief executives and operational managers‚ shareholders with controlling stakes in companies‚ and of course as employees‚” it quoted the majority of representatives as saying.