A NAIJA-SOUTHY AFFAIR. By Lerato Charlotte Letsoso

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.