Why does the world suck up to Nelson Mandella?

What has really improved in South Africa after he came to power. Crime is rampant, extorsion, car jacking and other violent crime is a commonplace. Aids is out of control.The current leaders are just carrying on his legacy.He made so many promises about getting better living conditions jobs and all that political baloney, what did he actually give. Is he all sizzle and no sausage?