ABSTRACT
The chapter reflects on the uptake of #MeToo in South Africa, locating the discussion in a review of the growing local body of work on #MeToo and other forms of activism against sexual violence. The authors explore how #MeToo as a global movement “arrives” in South Africa, the already existing climate of activism, as well as histories of such activism, and the way in which the movement intersects with contemporary popular activism, both online forms of engagement and mass mobilisation. The chapter reflects on both the relatively limited uptake of #MeToo at a community level, and the contrary dominance of the movement in the public and scholarly imaginary. The movement is thus read through contemporary South African online and mass-based activism, both acknowledging the value of globalised digital activism but also critically reflecting on failures, gaps, and concerns, which may resonate with Global Southern feminist concerns in general. The chapter concludes with a critical reflection and questions about the extent to which the globalised movement may overshadow and undermine local feminist movements.
