Cape Town — President Jacob Zuma yesterday announced an impressive list of 19 names for the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Council, which will play a critical role in driving the transformation of the economy.

For many aspirant black businessmen, this transformation has proceeded too slowly .

The long-awaited advisory body -- which Zuma will chair -- was established under the Broad- Based Black Economic Empowerment Council Act of 2003 and will consist of four Cabinet ministers and representatives of business, labour, academia, the legal and accounting professions, youth organisations and civil society.

The council will advise the government on the draft codes of good practice and draft transformation charters; will review progress; and facilitate partnerships between the state and the private sector to promote empowerment. It is also likely to assess the effect of the recession on black economic empowerment partners.

Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies , Labour Minister Membathisi Mdladlana , Economic Development Minister Ebrahim Patel and Women's Minister Noluthando Mayende-Sibiya are on the list. Academics include Wits University's Prof Mohammed Jahed and University of Stellenbosch Business School professor Eltie Links.

Wendy Lucas-Bull, founder of Peotona Group Holdings and former CEO of First Rand, and Business Unity SA CEO Jerry Vilakazi have been chosen to represent business along with businessman Sandile Zungu and Black Management Forum former president Don Mkhwanazi.

From the professions will come Black Lawyers Association vice-president Mashego Ramagaga, South African Institute of Chartered Accountants senior executive for transformation and growth Chantyl Mulder, and Association of Black Accountants president Tsakani Matshazi.