South African Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Derek Hanekom has affirmed the importance of the aerospace sector to the development of South Africa.

Giving the keynote address at the opening of the South African International Aerospace Symposium in Pretoria this morning, Hanekom stated that the country was “a land whose government and its people passionately understand the central importance of aerospace to the technological development and advancement of our country”.

The symposium is covering issues of both aeronautics and space.

“Both aspects of the aerospace fields are of central importance to the development of South Africa and its relationship with its global partners,” Hanekom said.

He pointed out that the benefits of a sound and complete aerospace development strategy, which enjoys targeted and supported implementation, include skills development job creation and enterprise creation.

“There can be no doubt that the development and nurturing of a sustainable aerospace research and technology competency and industrial base is a priority.”

He pointed out that the country’s efforts to promote the growth and competitiveness of the local aerospace industry were led by the advanced manufacturing technology strategy (AMTF).

“We have embraced the challenge to build the necessary capacity to deliver on science and technology objectives of the AMTF and its associated flagship programmes.”

The AMTF has taken the approach of focusing on advanced niche technologies that can benefit more than one industrial sector.

Hanekom pointed out that the aerospace industry is marked by long cycles: “If the correct decisions are made now, often they will pay off in 20 years time.”

He cited the forecast that the aerospace market will grow by at least 25% in real terms over the next 20 years, to reach a total of $250-billion a year.

“The aerospace sector is an enabling sector for other manufacturing sectors, given its cutting edge technology profile and use of highly skilled people,” Hanekom said.

The technologies that South Africa has identified are advanced electronics, advanced light materials and advanced production technologies.

Hanekom also lauded European South African Science and Technology Advancement Programme (Esastap), which is jointly funded by the South African Department of Science and Technology and the European Commission.

“Esastap and other similar initiatives are central to us realising our own aims of internationalising our research and technology,” said Hanekom.

“International collaboration is clearly one of the mechanisms to leapfrog development in a mutually beneficial and sustainable manner.”

He also cited cooperation with Russia, on space, and with the US, in advanced materials and space.

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