28 June 2018 – The South African Football Association (SAFA) has paid tribute to the late ambassador Billy Modise for the role he played in shaping a new dispensation.

SAFA President, Dr Danny Jordaan said the late Modise was an epitome of a selfless leader.

“He helped draft the FIFA 2010 World Cup protocol policy and trained thousands of volunteers on hospitality and protocol. In addition, he was the protocol attaché to the then FIFA President,” said the SAFA President.

“The late ambassador Modise served our country unselfishly and assiduously. He deserves a special place in our country’s history.

“His contribution during the FIFA 2010 World Cup was exceptional and this is on top of him helping the country achieve a free and non-racial South Africa,” added Dr Jordaan.

Ambassador Modise was the High Commissioner to Canada and was chief protocol officer until his retirement from government in 2006.

He passed away last week after a long illness and will be buried on Thursday, 28 June 2018. He was 87.