Xolile Williams, the maker of angels, left school in the Transkei at the end of grade 8, because his mother could no longer afford the school fees. He came to Cape Town at the age of 20 to look for work. In 1994 he started boxing professionally as well as selling fruit to earn a bit of money after losing his job. Whilst selling fruit, a man saw his wooden sculptures and introduced him to Diane Cussons from DC Art who encouraged him to become a full-time artist. 
He initially made work in wood and paper maché, but acting on the demand for outdoor sculptures, he began working with cement a couple of years ago.
Williams makes praying angels and sometimes animals. “Angels are the closest being to God. Every person has his own angel. If everyone decides to act like an angel, things will definitely change for the better in South Africa.”
