The daily Torch media
Members of a South African church gathered in anticipation of the rapture after their prophet, Joshua Mhlakela, claimed Jesus told him the world would end on September 23-24, 2025. The prophecy sparked widespread attention, with videos and photos showing worshippers assembled, waiting for the event. Some believers reportedly sold their properties, prepared for a divine ascent, and gathered in open fields and churchyard.
Joshua Mhlakela claimed Jesus appeared to him, instructing him about the rapture dates coinciding with the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah.
-Public Reaction Hundreds of thousands of posts appeared on social media platforms like TikTok under the hashtag #RaptureTok, with many expressing excitement or skepticism.
Some individuals quit jo
bs or sold belongings in anticipation of the event, while others mocked the claim or dismissed it as a failed doomsday prediction.
– Aftermath: As September 23 passed without incident, reactions shifted, with some expressing disappointment and others criticizing the prophecy. A popular online influencer, Thabo Ngcobo, publicly apologized for promoting the prophecy, citing harm caused to his followers.
– Christian leaders and theologians cautioned believers, stressing that the Bible warns against setting specific dates for Christ’s return.
– Analysts noted that the viral spread of the claim was fueled by social media dynamics and humanity’s fascination with apocalyptic themes
