King Mswati III Urges Africa to Preserve Culture Through Documentation

King Mswati III Urges Africa to Preserve Culture Through Documentation

#unimac-IFT 

#visual-storytelling 

#storywriting 

#individualassignment

Accra, Ghana – June 29, 2025

King Mswati III of Eswatini has called on African nations to actively preserve and protect their unique cultural identities by documenting traditional practices for future generations.

Speaking during a high-profile cultural symposium held in Ghana, the monarch emphasized that oral traditions, while rich and vibrant, are at risk of fading if not properly archived. “We must make it our duty to record our dances, customs, songs, and rituals in both digital and written form,” he said. “Our heritage is the soul of our identity, and preserving it is an act of sovereignty.”

King Mswati III’s remarks were made in the presence of dignitaries, traditional leaders, and cultural scholars from across the continent. The event highlighted the growing urgency around cultural preservation amid globalization and Western influence.

The Swazi monarch also commended Ghana for its leadership in promoting cultural heritage through festivals, museums, and educational initiatives. He called for pan-African collaboration in developing a continental framework for cultural documentation and intergenerational storytelling.

Cultural experts at the event echoed his sentiments, noting that documentation not only safeguards traditions but also opens avenues for tourism, education, and economic development.

As Africa balances tradition with modernity, King Mswati’s call adds momentum to continental efforts to ensure that ancestral wisdom and indigenous practices are not lost, but rather, celebrated and passed on.

   

  By 

      Hamdiya AbdulGaniyu 

Americans Cash Out on Gold Coins as Asian Investors Bulk Up

#unimac-IFT 

#visual-storytelling 

#storyanalysis

#individualassignment

1. Does the image accurately represent the headline’s message?

✅ Likely yes. The typical Bloomberg visual for this kind of article features gold bars, coins, or vaults—visually reinforcing the article’s dual theme of wealth movement and asset shifts.

2. What emotions does the image evoke?

💰 The imagery likely evokes feelings of value, security, and tension. If coins or gold bars are pictured in high contrast or dim lighting, it may imply financial strategy, caution, or hidden opportunity, especially in a time of market volatility.

3. Is the image manipulated or biased?

🟢 The image is probably not manipulated, but editorial selection might influence perception. For instance, showing Asian investors actively buying versus Americans letting go can subtly suggest East vs West financial instincts, possibly reinforcing cultural stereotypes.

4. How does composition affect storytelling?

🎯 Composition is crucial here. A close-up of someone holding a gold coin, or contrasting piles of gold in different global contexts (e.g. Asia vs the U.S.), can strongly shape reader understanding. Focused lighting on the gold may symbolize value or scarcity, while blurred human figures could imply anonymity or global scale.

5. Does the image add depth to the story or simply reinforce the headline?

🟠 Mostly reinforces. It likely supports the transactional nature of gold flows but doesn’t unpack the economic drivers (inflation, geopolitical risk, currency hedging) that make this trend significant. A more layered image—like one linking gold to political instability—could add narrative depth.

6. Would a different image change the reader’s perception of the news?

✅ Yes. For example:

• A Wall Street backdrop might tie the trend to macroeconomic shifts.

• An image of Asian retail buyers in local markets could humanize the demand side.

• A bank vault closing might inject urgency or secrecy.

Each would offer a different angle on the headline’s economic implications.

7. How does the image compare to others covering the same story?

🆚 Bloomberg’s visuals tend to be stylized and clean. Reuters or Financial Times might use more contextual imagery (e.g., investors or bullion counters). Bloomberg’s version likely prioritizes elegance over ethnographic or economic nuance.

8. Is the image culturally or politically significant?

🧭 Potentially. Depicting Asian investors as active hoarders and Americans as sellers could unintentionally reinforce East-West financial stereotypes. If the image lacks human diversity or context, it may overlook the broader geopolitical and economic nuances behind gold flows.

By 

Hamdiya AbdulGaniyu 

   

 Minister of India to Visit Ghana for Strategic Talk 

#unimac-IFT 

#visual-storytelling 

#storyanalysis

#individualassignment

1. Does the image accurately represent the headline’s message?

✅ Yes. The image shows Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aligning directly with the headline’s announcement of his visit. The visual reinforces the news’ focus on diplomacy and high-level engagement.

2. What emotions does the image evoke?

🌍 The image evokes a sense of formality, diplomacy, and significance. Modi’s presence and posture (calm, confident) likely elicits feelings of anticipation and importance, suggesting that this visit is both respectful and strategic.

3. Is the image manipulated or biased?

🟢 No indication of manipulation. However, selecting a clean, statesmanlike photo of Modi frames the visit in a positive and authoritative light, possibly downplaying any political controversies or regional sensitivities.

4. How does composition affect storytelling?

📷 The composition focuses solely on Modi, likely in official dress with a neutral or nationalistic background. This central positioning and lighting project power, diplomacy, and clarity, reinforcing that this is a high-stakes, official engagement.

5. Does the image add depth to the story or simply reinforce the headline?

🟠 Mostly reinforces. It visually confirms that the Indian Prime Minister is the subject, but does not elaborate on the Ghana context or the “strategic” aspect of the visit. Including elements like Ghana’s flag or location could have added narrative depth.

6. Would a different image change the reader’s perception of the news?

✅ Yes. A photo of Modi with Ghanaian officials or at a prior Africa visit would shift focus toward mutual cooperation, making it feel more bilateral and less India-centric. That could create a perception of deeper partnership.

7. How does the image compare to others covering the same story?

🆚 If other outlets use joint imagery (e.g. flags, past summits, cultural moments), this single-subject image may appear less inclusive, emphasizing Modi over the diplomatic exchange. It reflects an Indian perspective rather than a shared Ghana–India moment.

8. Is the image culturally or politically significant?

🧭 Yes. Modi’s global visits are highly strategic, and his image carries significant cultural and political symbolism—representing India’s economic ambition and diplomatic assertiveness. In the African context, this could reflect India’s growing influence on the continent, subtly implying soft power expansion.

BY 

   Hamdiya AbdulGaniyu