We were honoured to hear from Leonardo Bortoleto, from Brazil, a participant in Rotary’s Next Generation Service Program focused on Social and Environmental Sustainability.

Leonardo recently attended the 7th Social Justice Summit at Stellenbosch University, themed “Social Justice, Food Security, and Peace.” The summit highlighted how hunger remains a reality in South Africa, undermining children’s development, peace, and equality.

Following our National Women’s Day collaboration with Soroptimist International Cape of Good Hope, this engagement presented an opportunity to strengthen partnerships addressing challenges faced by women and youth in townships.

Reflecting on his experience, Leonardo shared, “Cape Town is beautiful, but those who keep it running — the people from the townships — deserve dignity.”

After visiting Dunoon and Langa townships and comparing them to the favelas of Brazil, Leonardo emphasised the importance of empowering youth and women through sustainable development and access to food.  Having mapped the ongoing projects of RCW and Soroptimist, he posed a vital question: “How can teamwork enhance impact in line with SDG 2030 – Zero Hunger, Quality Education, and Good Health?”

He also highlighted the stark contrast between Cape Town’s township realities and its thriving tourism sector, where many township residents contribute to the city’s success but remain excluded from its prosperity.

As Leonardo concludes his fellowship next month, his message resonates strongly: Collaboration is key to building lasting, positive change by strengthening the kernels of impact already at work in our communities.