Thembelihle Menziwa is Manbox Man Crush Monday

Thembelihle is a Photographer from East London based in Port Elizabeth. Currently, Lihle is an in-house photographer for a company called CREATE. He is also an Associate Photographer for Nelson Mandela University (Arts and Culture Dept.). Also a crew assistant for RUDEBOY Collective on their adverts (SA Tourism/Short Left) shot in the Eastern Cape. Lihle is currently studying BSc in Dietetics while pursuing photography on the side. 

How do you introduce yourself?

Well my actual name is Tembelihle but it’s too long and difficult to pronounce for some of my friends, so they call me Lihle.

Image: Lihle & Laduma 

What inspired you to become a photographer?

Growing up I used to watch a lot of Fashion TV and the photography segment used to be the most fascinating thing for me. You literally live in a reality and simultaneously create your own version of reality, its amazing what a camera can do. Also I believe we have so much rich African stories that are not told.

Do you think any dude with a “camera” can make it in your industry?

Absolutely not, creative industry needs more than just a person with a talent or a person with the latest equipment. Just like you’d find a backup singer with a “leading” voice. To make it in the industry you need to be vulnerable in your work and express yourself without any limitations.

Why do you mostly take pictures of woman?

I have so many answers for that question, but I think the main reason is that I was raised in a home full women (Aunty, Gogo and Mamzo) and women have this beautiful trait of being selfless and caring. As a photographer I want my stories to revolve around the narrative of love. Short answer, women are just beautiful.

Currently you study BSc. In Dietetics…why not photography?

Eish, Initially I wanted to pursue cinematography but my family is old school they wanted me to take a much “safer’ path. Doing BSc in Diebetics doesn’t stop me from following my other interests.

Select a pic that best describes your craft and elaborate for us…

Each image is different. Each one represent a unique experience and time in my life. Not so long ago I took an image of a boy that I saw while visiting my grandma in East London. He has vitilogo so I thought he might be camera shy BUT he was super chilled. He said something so profound about self-acceptance that kinda liberated me as well. Please go to my Instagram to check that pic and more.

What wakes up every morning besides your alarm?

Each day is a mission to see a new face and take a snap. This camera makes me more conscious. I’m constantly looking for something unique and capture it.

What’s your winning formula?

Constant mission to stay true to myself. Life will always force us to compromise or overcompensate for something. Being yourself in this day and age is quite a rare quality.

What’s next for you?

Complete my studies and travel the world. Photography allows me to tell stories through my own lens. I have a huge interest in documentaries, once I tick a couple of my personal boxes I’ll venture into that avenue.

What’s your routine to stay looking fresh?

I religiously do my morning jogs and get enough sleep. Also I keep a good company – as cheesy as it sounds but it’s quite good for the soul.

What’s your number ONE grooming product?

 It must be a cologne. I really dig a nice masculine scent.

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Is there such thing as a perfect guy?

Not really but I believe there’s a “perfect match”. Those people in your circle are your true perfect match – indirectly or directly making an impact in your life.

If we had to put you in BOX – what would you remain as besides a photographer?

I would definitely venture into music.

Grand, grand, what do you think is Manbox?

A plaftrom that recommends grooming products, offers content and product testings for gents.

Lihle Menziwa is a Manbox member. What are you waiting for? Click here to become a Manbox member.

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Salute

Anele@Manbox