It was not all that long ago that a human resources consultant who specialises in placing job-hunting black executives went round to his clients asking them if they were ready to appoint a black person to a job that entailed real executive authority — half said they were not. Nor is it clear how many of the half who said they were ready really meant it — it is still not common to see black people in senior executive positions in traditionally white-run companies... But perhaps the most damaging aspect is the refusal to acknowledge the problem that greets any attempt to raise these issues... [refers to Alexander Forbes, Barloworld]