This is a refreshing work, exhilarating in its theme, its
breadth and scope, its ideas and ideals, its intricate characterisation, and
its general visceral nexus
An overview
"A Naija-Southy Affair is a romance novella, an African love
story or rather a Pan African love story. The story line focuses on integrated
relationships and its challenges using the controversial relationship between
Nigeria (Naija) and South Africa (Southy). It is centred around the love affair
between Chidi (A Nigerian man of Igbo descent ) and Cikizwa (A South
African woman of Xhosa descent). The book consists of 18 petite chapters and is
structured with the first five chapters giving more of a background of the two
nations' relationship addressing some stereotypes, while the rest of the
chapters touch on the love story between Chidi and Cikizwa. Here is drama,
laughter and even tears for the hopeless romantic
Can the main protagonists, Chidi and Cikizwa stand the test of
time? Does their relationship survive the stereotype associated with their
respective nationalities? Can their love flourish through the harsh realities
of their obvious cultural differences? Do these nations remain in bed with each
other, or do they wrestle it out or surrender to the pressure and complexity?
Find out....'
A perspective
" In this novel, the author, Lerato courageously takes on the
difficult and complicated relationship between Africa's two largest economies, Nigeria
and South Africa, through a personal love story. The relationship between the
two nations - historical allies and modern -day adversaries - has deep
implications for the personal relationships of their citizens. This is the crux
of Lerato's novel. How these citizens manage the strong perceptions of each
one's nation against the other, within the tide of their strong personal relationships,
makes for an interesting tale. It also makes a strong case for African unity.
Lerato writes this book based on her experiences as a sister, friend and
daughter of Africa who has had the privilege of living in different parts of
Africa and suffering first hand, our penchant for emphasising our differences
rather than embracing our similarities, as Africans. I find A Naija-Southy
Affair refreshing. One of the greatest causes of war or tension among nations is
usually caused by the inability to relate or rather engage peacefully and I
enjoy the love story between two of Africa's giant nations which is a symbol of
unity, hope and love. May this be the beginning of a conversation that will
promote an Africa that sees past nationality, tribe or politics."
-Charlotte Osei (Former Chair Electoral Commission, Ghana.
Lawyer and International Elections Consultant.)
About the author
Lerato Charlotte Letsoso, also known as 'Rato', is an Author and Media Personality with 18 years experience on stage for Performance & Productions, and Six years experience in Broadcasting with two years of the Six years as an expat in West Africa. Her diversity shines through her evident roles as News Anchor, content Producer, writer, etc. This Media Personality has experience in TV, Radio, Print and Digital media platforms. She was host for the Nigeria Community Excellence Awards, South Africa 2019. In support of economic empowerment in Africa, Lerato was preliminary judge for shortlisted candidates in the Creative Business Cup Ghana 2019.
Some of her early highlights include producing a Musical Theatre Production "Ubuntu" that was performed at the Soweto Theatre for Nelson Mandela Day 2013. As a riveting performer, Lerato has also shared a stage alongside illustrious names like Simba Morri; Ringo Madlingozi; Charles Webster; Frank Rodgers; Themba Mkhize, to mention but a few. This well travelled, eclectic personality has worked as freelance editor for The Nigerian Voice SA, and was part of the editorial team for Agoo Magazine, a Pan African Lifestyle Magazine amongst many others. She now handles her entrepreneurial role as MD of Lerato Letsoso Productions (PTY) LTD which produced her latest book A Naija-Southy Affair. Lerato has a National Certificate in Musical Theatre obtained from Technickon Pretoria and a Helicopter Starter Certificate based on Storytelling and Story Acting curriculum of Vivian Gussin Paley.
