Xhanti Mpakama grew up in rural South Africa in the Transkei. He soon showed a natural artistic talent having been keen on sculpturing from an early age making figurines from clay.

Much of his inspiration comes from the environment of his youth. This was influenced by the annual migration of men to the gold mines which often caused great hardship to the women and children left at home.

With names like Smoking Grandmother, Mother and Child, African Man and Shepherd Boy , Xhanti's memories and imaginative ideas are brought to life in sculptures that are both beautiful and sensitive to his heritage.

Today, he is mentored by Warren Knight of Sculpture Casting Services. Xhanti designs his work in clay or wax, which is then cast in bronze. His art is available from selected outlets, and he exhibits regularly. One of his first sculptures, an old man bearing a load of worries on his shoulders, is displayed in the Lwandle Migrant Labour Museum.

Xhanti now lives and works in Asanda Village, Nomzamo - a township in the Helderberg Basin, near Cape Town. He has had the honour of being commissioned to produce a number of sculptures for the National Heritage Trust.