Lelo N Africa, a South African organisation led by Lelo Ndlovu, is set to host a reading luncheon for Nigerian author and Africa Literature Trust Fund (ALTF) founder, Dr Godspower Oshodin, in Sandton, Johannesburg, on November 21, 2026.
The event will feature Oshodin’s new book, Even the Devil Wears a Pretty Smile, as part of his ongoing international book tour.
The luncheon will bring together eight accomplished South African women from different professional backgrounds for an afternoon of reading, reflection and conversation around the book.
Organisers said the gathering, described as a “Table for Eight”, would feature a short film, cocktails and a luncheon, with the book serving as the central theme of discussions.
Four participants, known as Friends of the Table, have already been confirmed.
They include Dr Thabile Mthembu, a certified sex therapist and media contributor whose work focuses on intimacy, relationships and sexual wellness.
Also confirmed is Fatima-Joyce Packery, founder and Chief Executive Officer of PF Africa Mining, with more than 25 years of leadership experience in mining, business development, investor relations and corporate communication.
Others are Toni Gumede, a reputation management and stakeholder-relations specialist with experience across government, public entities and corporate South Africa; and Sanelisiwe Ngcobo, an attorney, notary public, conveyancer, entrepreneur and author.
Ngcobo is the founder and managing director of Ngcobo SN Inc., a specialist property-law firm serving private clients, financial institutions, property developers and corporate organisations. She has more than a decade of experience in property law and is interested in property ownership, entrepreneurship, leadership and economic value creation.
The book explores the question of what lies behind a pleasant outward appearance. Organisers said the professional diversity of the women attending would provide an opportunity to examine the book’s themes from different perspectives.
Oshodin will not attend the Johannesburg luncheon in person because of other tour commitments. However, he expressed appreciation to the organisers and confirmed participants.
“A book is only finished when it finds a table to sit at. I am grateful to Lelo Ndlovu and Lelo N Africa for setting one and to every woman who has taken a seat. Though I cannot be there, my words will be in good company,” he said.
Following the South African engagement, the tour is scheduled to continue in Accra, Ghana, on December 4, and in Cannes, France, on December 18.
Lagos and China are also expected to host events in January 2027.
Lelo N Africa is a South African organisation that promotes excellence under the leadership of Lelo Ndlovu.
