What made cecil john Rhodes a hero?

Cecil John Rhodes is often viewed as a hero for his role in the expansion of the British Empire in Southern Africa during the late 19th century. He founded the De Beers diamond company, which significantly impacted the diamond industry and the economy of the region. Rhodes also established the Rhodes Scholarship, promoting education and leadership among young scholars from around the world. However, it's important to note that his legacy is controversial due to his colonialist views and policies, which had detrimental effects on local populations.