Born in 1940, this rural Zululand potter is today recognised as the finest exponent of her craft - which she learned from her mother Siphiwe, who in turn inherited this skill from her mother. And Nala is passing it on to her children.

Crafting a pot is an arduous process that begins with digging brown and red clay from two separate sites far apart. Fine grinding and delicate mixing are done with traditional implements. Water is added - an expensive commodity, carted to her house with greta effort. Not using a wheel, she puts vertically rolled coils of clay onto a flat base to build up the vessel.

Decorating involves removing a V-shaped bit of hard clay, filling it with soft clay which is then decorated in the Umasumpa style. After burnishing with river stones, the firing is done with dry grass and aloe leaves in a shallow pit. The reddish brown is then smoked over and blackened. Final finishing involves animal fat and polishing.

Her work is highly sought after and in many collections.

Among her awards:
1995 Vita Craft Now Award
1997 APSA Natal Biennial