This statement tells a lot about the perspective of this article. Mandela is a symbol, which the communists and socialists thrive on. They never have anything concrete to offer to the world. Just more symbolism.
In reality Mao was a sick, horrible man who's behaviors ran contrary to decency. Mao was an opiate addict, sexual deviate, and elitist of the most dangerous kind. He suffered from venerial disease for all his adult life. He never ever bathed. He would request young girls for him to clean his genitals by having sex with him. He had a staff who gave him daily enema's, masterbated him twice daily, and awoke him in late afternoon each day. He cleaned his teeth with tea. He enjoyed seeing his parents executed in front of him, and those parents were very kind and generous toward Mao as a child by his own admission.
The above information is sourced to readings from Mao's own diaries.
It would seem to me that Mandella is well on the same journey as Mao, Stalin, Musselini, and other psychotic Marxists or Socialists.
I would say the leading threat to this world is the vulnerability of the world's masses to image builders. Why do people have this desire to follow anything illustrated and not experienced? The same public today would believe a lecture from Bono that safe sex means wearing a condom, and that advice from their church advising marriage and faithful relationships is ancient hooey? Go figure.
Mandella's status as a hero is due to the fact that the continent of Africa has none to be sold at present. Heroes as the public wants is what the public gets. That goes for blacks and whites.