ABSTRACT
The process of ‘reverse urban renaissance’ occurring in Zimbabwe's emerging towns lacks comprehensive understanding, particularly regarding the impact of community perceptions, due to insufficient empirical research. This study seeks to examine the sociocultural undercurrents that contribute to the phenomenon of rural nostalgia which is particularly common in transformative towns. Rapid appraisal method, that included interviews and focus group discussions and archival research method to gather diverse perspectives was used. Findings show that the anticipated urban transformation speed is generally slowed by rural undertones such as resistance-to-change, strong sense of traditional culture and entitlement attitude by some rural folks stuck in their rural charm. To facilitate culture-sensitive and sustainable urban transformation, and to strengthen social contract between town authorities and grassroots communities, policy must embrace cultural sensitivity tool kits and feedback loops on planning matters decisions that will promote social justice in cities.
