The late former Ambassador Billy Modise, who passed away on Wednesday, will receive a Special Official Funeral, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Friday.
“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 the day of the funeral.
Modise was the chief of State Security under the Thabo Mbeki administration until his retirement in 2006.
He was also the recipient of the National Order of Luthuli and Ubuntu Award, and has been described as a distinguished gentleman and leader who served his country diligently.
President Ramaphosa has once again expressed his deep condolences to Modise’s family and members of the diplomatic corps.
A Special Official Funeral 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. - SAnews.gov.za
