Sorry Op but I think finding this 'sad' is a reaction I can't get on board with. It's a blessed release for Mandela. His family and friends should have let him go a few months ago instead of putting him through intensive care imo - but of course when it's your loved one you don't see it like that.
Mandela changed the world, inspired millions, saved who knows how many lives from violence and showed the power of forgivenee. He is inspirational. For the people of South Africa this is the end of an era and his passing is hugely important. It is NOT sad and in all honesty I can't see why you would use that word?