I get all my news from twitter (who randomly kills off celebrities every once in a while).
But the AP/CNN/Reuters still have him alive.
To answer your question, that many years in prison teaches a man many things. But it is what he teaches us that I find impressive with his strong integrity and (as you mentioned) forgiveness. I don't know who the next Mandela will be. But I'm sure when he arrives, there will be a lot more for us to learn.
-James