Amakulani Nukeri — A Return to Nkambako

Posted by Bella Pratt on May 21, 2026

Visiting the home of Amakulani Nukeri’s mother in Nkambako is a lively experience filled with loud laughter and chickens running through the yard. While Amakulani now lives in Xihoko with her husband, Ralph Rikhotos, she values moments spent in the vibrant village that forms part of her story. It’s not only a visit home — it’s a return to where her craft began.

A Family Affair

The art of embroidery is a true family affair for Amakulani. She was taught the craft by her mother, Violet, and later took over the work from her sister.

The bond she shares with her mother is deep. As the last born in the family, she considers her mother to be her best friend. This sense of belonging and connection to her roots in Nkambako is something often found among many of our embroiderers — generations connected through thread, storytelling, and home.

"I love coming home where my mom is. I am her last born, and we are best friends."

The Heart of Home

Amakulani invited us into their home, where we sat in the living room during the interview, while the rest of the family gathered outside beneath the trees beside a separate wooden kitchen structure. Despite the language barrier, there was warmth and understanding in the way we communicated — with Olivia’s translations helping along the way.

Amakulani and Ralph are raising four children together, and the atmosphere around their family carries a quiet sense of peace — a feeling of optimism.

Later, as we joined the family outside, Amakulani nursed her youngest child, Hope, born earlier this year, while her third-born, Joy, sat on her grandmother’s lap. Their names seem to mirror the sense of warmth and optimism that fills their home and family life.

The Work She Loves

Amakulani was recognised as one of Kaross’s leading embroiderers for the remarkable consistency and care shown in her work throughout the year. She speaks about her work at Kaross with contentment, enjoying vibrant colours and every animal design. She finds satisfaction in smaller embroidery pieces and welcomes the challenge of larger cloths.

Her dedication to her work is closely tied to her dreams for her children. Amakulani attended Akanani Primary School and later studied at Mahwahwa Secondary School until Grade 10. Today, she speaks proudly about the schools in their area and hopes her children will succeed in their education and, one day, find stable, permanent jobs. She especially values that her children are being taught English.

Amakulani’s story reminds us that behind every cloth is a home, a family, and generations of stories carried forward.