Secretary General of the BBC, Gregory Mofokeng, pointed out a majority South Africans were frustrated at the exclusion of the majority blacks as well as reduced economic opportunities.

“If you think the #Fees Must Fall is a threat, then wait and see this huge problem forthcoming, which is caused by high unemployment rate among youths,” he said in Johannesburg at a Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) event organised by TK Global Experts.

He was alluding to the violent protests by mostly black students at the high cost of education. These have raged for over a year and turned violent.

Mofokeng warned such protests could be waged against the lack of transformation and economic decline.

“More than 13 million South Africans are not employed, mainly youths. If they don’t find anything to do, then you can’t rule unrest,” said Mofokeng.

He threatened new “economic collusion” if no measures were put in place to address black empowerment as well as supporting small businesses in the country.

“Our work is to influence policy. We will definitely advocate for laws that will compel private sector to empower black businesses,” said Mofokeng.

“Black businesses are being heard but there is always slow pace of transformation.”

Disabled members of the community meanwhile decried their marginalisation.

A representative from the South African Sign Language (SASL) said deaf and mute people were among those excluded.

“Deaf people have challenges in fully participating in the economy due to communication barriers. We always depend on interpreters and consultants to negotiate for business,” said the official.

The representative urged businesses to familiarise themselves with sign language for smooth business interaction, engagement and negotiations.

South Africa attained independence in 1994 but concern has been raised the economy is still dominated by the white minority.