President Ramaphosa declares a Special Official Funeral for the late Ambassador Modise

President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared a Special Official Funeral Category 1 for South Africa’s former Chief of State Protocol and recipient of the National Order of Luthuli, Ambassador Billy Modise, who passed on earlier this week at the age of 87.
 
A Special Official Funeral Category 1 entails elements of military ceremonial honours and is declared, in line with the Presidency’s State, Official and Provincial Official Funeral Policy, for persons of extraordinary credentials specifically designated by the President of the Republic of South Africa.
 
“The late Ambassador Modise served our country selflessly and diligently and deserves this honour for his exceptional contribution to the achievement of a South Africa free of racial oppression and to the building of a non-racial, non-sexist and democratic country,” said President Ramaphosa.
 
The President has directed that the National Flag be flown at half-mast at every flag station in the country until Thursday, 28 June 2018, the day of the funeral.
 
Further details will be announced as arrangements are finalised in consultations between government and the Modise Family.
 
President Ramaphosa has once again expressed his deep condolences to the family of Ambassador Modise and members of the diplomatic corps.
 

Media enquiries: Khusela Diko: Spokesperson to the President on 072 854 5707
 
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria