With local elections on the horizon in South Africa, President Ramaphosa’s newly formed Government of National Unity (GNU) is facing a crucial test. The GNU survived a recent internal rebellion within the African National Congress (ANC), but its stability is far from assured. The situation in Johannesburg is particularly precarious, stemming from the ANC’s diminished power. Whether Ramaphosa can successfully maintain the Democratic Alliance (DA) as a governing partner will be a key indicator of the coalition’s strength. Johannesburg's ongoing crisis represents a significant challenge to the GNU’s ability to function effectively. The upcoming elections are expected to further expose vulnerabilities and will ultimately reveal the long-term viability of this unprecedented political arrangement. The ANC’s weakened position adds to the uncertainty surrounding the future governance of Johannesburg and South Africa as a whole.