Debut Novel · Available Now
Rough
Edges.
A Soulmate or Something — a debut romantic novel four years in the making.
Romance
Debut Novel
South Africa
Launched
Mar '26
Book signing event
A Soulmate or Something — a debut romantic novel four years in the making.
By day I'm a software engineer building systems that help astronomers study the universe. By night — and in every quiet moment in between — I write. Rough Edges: A Soulmate or Something is my debut novel, four years in the making, and every page of it is a piece of me.
I believe you can be more than one thing. I hope this story proves that to you too.
The Book
Rough Edges: A Soulmate or Something is a debut romantic novel about love, connection, and what it means to find your person in an imperfect world. Written while building software that helps scientists study the universe — proof that big dreams don't cancel each other out.
"It proves to myself that I can be more than one thing and that it's okay to embrace different passions."
— Zanele Kukuma · Daily Dispatch, March 2026
Dedication and perseverance are what got me to where I am today. My greatest achievement has been discovering my purpose, creating impact and helping others.
About the Author
Zanele Kukuma grew up in Komani in the Eastern Cape — curious, determined, and full of stories. Her path wasn't straight. She took a three-year break from university, worked, returned, and finished her Computer Science degree on her own terms.
She went on to build software that helps astronomers study the universe. And in the quiet moments between code and the cosmos, she wrote a novel. Rough Edges is that novel.
Beyond the Book
Zanele is available for speaking, mentorship, and author events — all rooted in her belief that purpose-driven lives inspire others.