Former High Commissioner Billy Modise dies

Wednesday, June 20, 2018

The South African High Commission in Canada is deeply saddened by the news of the passing away of South Africa’s former High Commissioner to Canada and Chief of State Protocol in South Africa Ambassador Billy Modise.

Soon after the election of South Africa’s democratic government in 1995, Ambassador Billy Modise, who on 20 June 2018 passed away at the age of 87, after a long illness, served as South Africa’s first High Commissioner to Canada. He served in Canada from 1995-1999. He was also the recipient of the National Order of Luthuli, having served South Africa with distinction.

Expressing his condolences on the sad passing away of Ambassador Billy Modise, President Cyril Ramaphosa said:

“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,”