Abstract
Neoliberalism is pervasive in African (and global) higher education. This paper argues that the
transformation of African universities must be situated within, and respond to the constraints
imposed by neoliberalism, proverbially, “inside the belly of the beast.” It calls for a shift from
market-driven agendas toward a vision emphasising the university’s role as a catalyst for societal
change and advancing the public good. The paper introduces the concept transformational
assemblage to analyse how universities can promote societal development through critical
engagement spaces. Two illustrative examples are explored to demonstrate this potential. The first
examines a university-led visual restitution and redress programme, using a sociology of
translation framework to reveal how collaborative negotiations between university and community
actors activate transformational assemblages. The second example discusses a postgraduate
student-led sustainability initiative in an informal settlement by exploring the networked processes
and dynamics that emerge in co-created community spaces. Both examples underscore the
importance of equitable collaboration and the use of diverse forms of knowledge and expertise
from university and community stakeholders. The paper provides insights into how African
universities can be assembled to advance the public good, leveraging their transformational
potential despite the constraints of neoliberalism.