Who is Joshua Mhlakela? South African Pastor’s Rapture Warning Sparks Social Media Frenzy

Who is Joshua Mhlakela? The South African pastor has drawn global attention after predicting that the Rapture would occur on September 23-24, 2025. His prophecy, shared earlier this year, has since fueled a viral movement across TikTok and other platforms, leaving many people anxious and divided online.

The pastor’s claim has turned into a trending discussion under the hashtag #RaptureTok, where thousands of videos feature reactions, survival tips, and reflections on end-time beliefs. While no event has taken place, the buzz has highlighted how quickly religious predictions can spread in the digital age.

Joshua Mhlakela’s Prophecy Explained

Joshua Mhlakela, a South African preacher known in prophetic Christian circles, gave an interview to Centtwinz TV on June 17, 2025. In that discussion, he claimed to have seen a vision of Jesus returning during Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. He warned believers that “the rapture is upon us, whether you are ready or not.”

According to reports in Complex and Detroit Free Press, Mhlakela described Jesus in his vision as wearing a white gown, with brown hair and a trimmed beard. This imagery, combined with the timing of the Jewish holiday, added urgency to his prediction for September 23-24. While his personal life remains private, Mhlakela’s sermons often focus on biblical prophecy and end-times teaching.

The Rapture belief is mainly held by evangelical Christians, who interpret passages such as 1 Thessalonians 4:17 to mean that faithful followers will be “caught up” to meet the Lord before a time of judgment. The concept became widely known in the 19th century through the preaching of John Nelson Darby.

The Rise of #RaptureTok

On TikTok, Mhlakela’s prophecy has gone viral. Under #RaptureTok, more than 295,000 videos have been shared, according to Detroit Free Press. Many users posted personal reflections, advice on preparation, and even drastic decisions such as leaving jobs or selling belongings. Others mocked or questioned the prophecy, treating it as entertainment rather than a genuine warning.

Mhlakela himself has not commented publicly on the social media reaction, leaving followers and critics to interpret his words without further clarification. Still, his prediction has shown how modern platforms amplify religious messages to a global audience within days.

Experts and Historical Context

Theology experts stress caution. Garry Breshears of Western Seminary told reporters that predictions like Mhlakela’s are speculative and part of a long history of failed forecasts. He pointed to biblical scripture such as Matthew 24:36, which says: “No one knows about that day or hour.”

Over the past two centuries, many groups have set dates for the Rapture or end of the world, from the 2012 Mayan calendar scare to predictions in 2020. None have come true, often leaving disillusioned followers behind. The BBC, Associated Press, and Reuters have all reported on such cycles of prophecy and disappointment in recent years.

For now, Joshua Mhlakela’s name is trending not because of fulfilled prophecy, but because of how quickly social media turned his warning into a global talking point. His prediction may fade, but it highlights the ongoing fascination with end-times beliefs and the power of online platforms to magnify them.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Who is Joshua Mhlakela?

Joshua Mhlakela is a South African pastor known in prophetic circles. He gained attention after predicting the Rapture on September 23-24, 2025.

Q2: What did Joshua Mhlakela predict?

He claimed in June 2025 that he saw a vision of Jesus returning during Rosh Hashanah and warned that the Rapture was imminent.

Q3: What is #RaptureTok?

#RaptureTok is a viral TikTok trend where users posted videos about preparing for or reacting to Mhlakela’s prophecy.

Q4: Has the Rapture happened?

No. Despite the prediction, no evidence supports that the Rapture has occurred. Experts advise caution with date-setting prophecies.

Q5: What does the Bible say about predicting the Rapture?

Passages like Matthew 24:36 say no one knows the day or hour. Many scholars warn against tying exact dates to biblical prophecy.

References

Reuters. (2025). Global coverage on religious prophecies.

Associated Press. (2025). Reports on viral TikTok trends.

BBC News. (2025). Historical context of end-time predictions.