Dishaka was born in Angola. She came with her parents when she was still a baby. She is not married, and has two sons and two daughters. She has taught her teenage daughter how to weave. She learnt weaving from her own mother, who wove patterned, open baskets.

Dishaka is a farmer, and grows millet, maize, peanuts and sorghum. She has to use a hoe to plough because she doesn't have cows or donkeys. She now weaves all year round, and tries out all types of patterns. Her favourite traditional design is the flower, and her favourite colours are black, white and orange. She weaves to earn money to support her children. She collects the raw materials at the river with other weavers; a palm-collecting trip can take the whole day, and may involve encounters with hippos and other dangerous animals. Dye materials are found in other places. Dishaka is proud of what she does and enjoys it.