President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his deepest condolences on the sad passing of South Africa’s former Chief of State Protocol and recipient of the National Order of Luthuli, Ambassador Billy Modise, who passed away last night in hospital after a long illness.

He was 87.

“Our country and our people have suffered a great loss in the passing of Ambassador Billy Modise.  He served his country selflessly and diligently. He was a distinguished gentleman and leader of our people who contributed exceptionally to the achievement of a South Africa free of racial oppression and to the building of a non-racial, non-sexist and democratic country.

We wish to convey our deepest words of condolence to his family, friends and relatives as well as members of the Diplomatic Corps. May his soul rest in peace,” said President Ramaphosa.
 

Issued by the Presidency