THE Department of Science and Technology is committed to ensuring that South African companies actively supply global aerospace companies such as Rolls-Royce with components, Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor said yesterday.

THE Department of Science and Technology is committed to ensuring that South African companies actively supply global aerospace companies such as Rolls-Royce with components, Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor said yesterday.

"At present, South Africa is not in a position to design and manufacture an entire, fully-integrated aircraft system," she said.

"So the emphasis has been placed on developing key competencies where SA companies can become part of the global supply chain of the major first and second tier aerospacecompanies."

Pandor was addressing the International Aerospace Symposium of South Africa in Centurion.

The symposium is aimed at exploring international partnerships and contributing to economic growth and competitiveness in South Africa.

Pandor said the South African aerospace sector was developing expertise in areas that included airframe manufacture, engine components, systems development and the integration of fixed and rotor blade aircraft and advanced weapons systems. - Sapa