September 24, 2025
NEWS

‘Why is everyone still here?’ — S’African pastor under fire over failed rapture prediction


Joshua Mhlakela, a South African pastor, 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.

Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday

Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users



Leave feedback about this

  • Quality
  • Price
  • Service

PROS

+
Add Field

CONS

+
Add Field
Choose Image