We recently spent a few days slowly exploring Sedgefield and loved it! We need to share its quiet beauty and amazing ‘slow town pledge’. The town of Sedgefield in the Garden Route of the Southern Cape, South Africa has been accredited as the first Cittaslow Slow Town in Africa and the headquarters of the slow town movement for the continent. Cittaslow (which literally means ‘slow city’) originated in Italy in 1999 and represents nearly 100 towns across the world. Abiding by a list of values aimed at improving quality of life, registered Cittaslow towns celebrate diversity of cultures and promote the specialties of their own people and surroundings. Situated 25km from Knysna and 40km from George, Sedgefield was founded in 1929 and is known as a relaxed village with a temperate climate and strong outdoors tourism industry. It boasts unspoilt beaches, the Swartvlei River estuary, several smaller lakes, nature reserves, indigenous forests, plantations and a wide array of outdoor activities including paragliding, birdwatching, mountainbiking, fishing, sailing, surfing, kite surfing, rowing and more. The town is home to talented artists, crafters and artisans while the multi award-winning “Wild Oats Community Farmers Market” and “Scarab Craft Market” have established the town as a favourite weekend destination. The Sedgefield Slow Town Pledge:- A quality of life for all Living a healthy lifestyle Looking after our elderly Preserving traditional food Caring for our environment Community decision making Having community networks Promoting unique town events Encouraging our young people Working for a sustainable future Preserving the heritage of our town Taking time for leisure and pleasure Controlled growth and urban planning Encouraging awareness and education Our community and council working together Creating a people friendly urban environment Promoting local markets and unique products Supporting our local products and businesses More information is available from:- André Gauché at +27 (0)44 343 2108 or +27 (0)82 440 0200 E-mail: aoa@mweb.co.za The above information taken directly from: www.slowtown.co.za 
