FAILED RAPTURE PROPHECY: SOUTH AFRICAN PASTOR JOSHUA MHLAKELA LEAVES FOLLOWERS IN RUINS, SPARKS OUTRAGE ACROSS AFRICA

The much-publicized rapture prophecy of South African pastor, Joshua Mhlakela, has collapsed into ridicule and despair, leaving thousands of his followers disillusioned, impoverished, and questioning their faith.

Mhlakela, who had boldly declared that the rapture would occur between Tuesday, September 23, and Wednesday, September 24, left many believers in shock after the days passed without incident. Reports indicate that some of his congregants, in preparation for the supposed divine event, abandoned their jobs, sold properties, and even gave away personal belongings—only to be left stranded when nothing happened.

The failed prediction has since triggered heated debates across social and religious circles. The concept of the rapture—a Christian belief that Jesus Christ will return to take his faithful followers to heaven after the sounding of angelic trumpets—remains a core tenet of faith. However, countless self-acclaimed prophets and doomsday preachers over the years have attempted, and failed, to set exact dates for the event.

Reactions have flooded social media, with many calling out Mhlakela for exploiting the gullibility of worshippers. One X user, posting under the name Corruption Hater, blasted the pastor:

> “This is exactly why many people need to wake up. The failed rapture prophecy from Joshua Mhlakela is just one of many lies told by so-called pastors. The rapture will surely happen, but no one knows the time. It will come suddenly, not on the schedule of a man claiming divine power.”

The user further lambasted the culture of blind devotion:

> “Yet, many Nigerians still run to churches and enrich pastors who deceive them with fake prophecies, juju, and empty promises. As a Muslim, I don’t visit mallams for shortcuts, I read and seek knowledge for myself. The truth is, most of these pastors, both in Nigeria and abroad, are fakes. Any pastor who claims he can ‘heal’ or has the power to answer prayers is a fraud.”

Critics argue that the persistence of false prophecies highlights a larger issue of religious manipulation and mass ignorance. Despite repeated embarrassments, desperate followers continue to flock to self-styled prophets, who grow richer at the expense of their congregations’ faith and resources.

For now, Joshua Mhlakela’s failed rapture prediction has become yet another cautionary tale in the long list of broken promises by self-proclaimed men of God—an echo of the Biblical reminder that “no man knows the hour.”