South African Ambassador Billy Modise Laid to Rest

South African struggle veteran and Ambassador, Billy Modise was finally laid to rest on Thursday at the West Park Cemetery in Johannesburg.

Dignitaries including former presidents Kgalema Motlanthe and Thabo Mbheki, as well as current South African President Cyril Ramphosa attended the Special Official Funeral. Motlanthe, Mbeki and Ramaphosa also each delivered a speech.

President Ramaphosa described ‘Uncle Modise’ as a man of honesty and decency, someone who was kind and warm towards everyone no matter their background.

“He taught us that no life could be complete if it was not lived in the service of others,” he said.

Comrade Billy Modise brought diverse people together. He was firmly convinced that non-racialism was the only viable, morally defensible response to the divisive and destructive policies of apartheid.

His commitment to this cause was matched by his determination that women and men should be free and equal in all areas of life. He fought for a society where gender would never again be a determinant of status, wealth or opportunity.

President Ramaphosa said the struggle he dedicated his life to, continues.

President Cyril Ramaphosa will today deliver the eulogy at the Special Official Funeral of the late former Chief of State Protocol, Ambassador Billy Modise. The funeral service will take place @ Marks Park Sports Field from 9h00 & is open to members of the public. #RIPBillyModise pic.twitter.com/0RSYVzSxSe

— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) June 28, 2018

The struggle veteran was born in Bloemfontein in 1930 and spent 30 years in exile fighting for the freedom of his people.

Modise, who died last week at the age of 87, served as South Africa’s first black High Commissioner to Canada and was also the former Chief of State Protocol and a recipient of the National Order of Luthuli.