Popular Pastor Under Serious Attack Over Failed Rapture Prediction
A South African pastor, Joshua Mhlakela has received plenty of flak after his much-publicised prediction that the world would end with a rapture on Tuesday failed to materialise.
Rapture is rooted in the Christian teaching that Jesus will return to earth to take true believers to heaven — before a period of great tribulation culminates in the end of the world.
Mhlakela predicted the rapture in a July interview with CettwinzTV.
The pastor said he had a supernatural encounter and suggested that the “rapture” would occur over two days — September 23 and 24.
The dates coincided with Rosh Hashanah, the celebration of the Jewish New Year.
Recounting a “divine vision”, the cleric said he saw Jesus sitting on his throne prophesying, “I am coming soon. I will come back to the earth”.
“The rapture is upon us, whether you are ready or not,” he added.
Ahead of the prediction, there were reports of individuals handing in resignation letters, while others discussed selling property, vehicles, and even cashing out retirement savings.
Faith-driven decisions like these are not unprecedented. In past doomsday predictions — such as Harold Camping’s failed rapture dates in 2011 — some Christians did liquidate assets.
But Mhlakela’s forecast triggered more ridicule than fear, drawing a flurry of mock comments online.
Ahead of the said dates, a social media user asked if the rapture was occurring by time zones.
Here are more comments.
World Rapture Day. pic.twitter.com/UqPAXk2JB5
— Hamilton (@hamiltonawah) September 23, 2025
Well, it’s already September 23rd here in India… and I’m still here. So are my church members, friends, and family. Not a single one of us has been “raptured.”
Maybe the secret rapture missed our time zone? Or maybe… just maybe the Bible never taught this date-setting…
— Jeremiah Knight (@iamrjknight) September 23, 2025
Rapture didn’t happen? Or is it me that didn’t float
— Her🎀🌼🦋 (@mylifeasjola) September 23, 2025
Saw a video where a woman was giving advice about how to handle the rapture
She said don’t try to hold on to things, just float away 🤣🤣🤣😭
— 🫧 (@TheTunmike) September 22, 2025
rapture tomorrow and i never even iron wetin i wan wear chai
— jan 🦢 (@overwhelmedjan) September 22, 2025
it happened https://t.co/AYijI0TkZo pic.twitter.com/lXCYcTutwG
— M1das (@M1das_OW2) September 23, 2025
Unfortunately, everyone who predicted the rapture still seems to be here
— Angry Staffer (@Angry_Staffer) September 23, 2025
Is the rapture supposed to be later in the day?
— JAXIE (@jaxajueny) September 23, 2025
The “rapture” didn’t happen and dispensational futurist lunatics once again make Christians look like fools. They do this every five years or so. This madness has got to stop. It’s not Christianity, it’s a doomsday cult.
— Andrew Torba (@BasedTorba) September 23, 2025
I do not believe people should be predicting rapture dates. I believe this is considered false prophecy.
— 🌷 LIZZIE🌷 (@farmingandJesus) September 23, 2025
sorry i can’t come into work i’m getting raptured
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