CHOMBA MUSIKA, Lusaka
TURKISH ambassador to Zambia Sebnem Incesu says she is saddened by the death of Zambia Daily Mail sub-editor Sitembile Zulu who died last week after giving birth, and has pledged to help strengthen the healthcare system in Zambia.

Ms Incesu said she was touched to learn about the death of Mrs Zulu, who was known for writing articles on women and children’s health rights at a time she worked on the gender desk.

She said this in Lusaka on Thursday during a send-off luncheon for 20 Zambians who were offered scholarships to study in Turkey.
“Before we start our meeting, I would like to send my condolences to the Zambia Daily Mail on the death of their brilliant reporter, Sithembile Zulu, who died after giving birth,” Ms Incesu said.
She said her country will continue to help strengthen the healthcare system in Zambia.
“We recently had a meeting with the Minister of Health [Chitalu Chilufya] and in the future we will facilitate exchange programmes between medical personnel in our two countries.
“I am sure part of the knowledge and skills programmes will include strengthening maternal healthcare,” Ms Incesu said.
She urged the 20 recipients of the scholarships to use the knowledge and skills they will acquire to revamp Zambia’s economy and improve the welfare of the people.
The 20 youths will study in various disciplines such as economics, agriculture economics, biomedical and food engineering.
Ms Incesu said Zambia has a very young and talented population which deserves the best education for the country to economically thrive.
“Through education we nurture ourselves with necessary skills and knowledge that open doors to many opportunities for our future and once we acquire them we are equipped to change society,” Ms Incesu said.
She urged the recipients of the scholarships to take an active role in making Zambia and its people more prosperous.