South African Pastor Predicts Rapture for September 23–24, 2025, Ignites “RaptureTok” Trend

A South African pastor has stirred global debate by predicting that the Rapture will take place on either September 23 or 24, 2025 — a claim that has sparked a mix of fear, humor, and viral content across social media.

Pastor Joshua Mhlakela made the prediction during a YouTube podcast, insisting that Jesus would return on September 23 “whether you are ready or not.” The video has since gone viral, drawing nearly 550,000 views and fueling what users are calling “RaptureTok.”

Among believers, one of the most discussed topics is the fate of pets, with owners posting prayers and concerns over whether their animals will be taken to heaven with them. Social media is filled with comments such as, “I ask God all the time to please take my dogs when we’re raptured,” and videos of people mock-preparing their pets for ascension.

While some take the prophecy seriously, others have turned it into comedy, sharing satirical skits and joking about last-minute preparations — with some jokingly including tasks like “be saved” and “finish GTA V.”

The Rapture is a belief within some Christian denominations that faithful believers will ascend to heaven, leaving non-believers to endure seven years of turmoil under the Antichrist’s rule.

Mhlakela claims his prediction is based on a vision in which Jesus revealed the date of his return. The message has resonated strongly with parts of the Evangelical Protestant community, which represents roughly a quarter of the U.S. population according to Pew Research Center data.

End-times predictions are far from new, with numerous unfulfilled forecasts in recent decades — including well-publicized dates in 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021. However, the rise of social media has amplified this latest prophecy, providing a stage for both believers and skeptics to weigh in.

Watch some of the videos below…………………………

Lol as a true Christian, why would you believe this heresy?

Read your bible, Joshua Mhlakela is a phoney.pic.twitter.com/W48xBr1VDj

— Mogul 🔴 (@therealmogul) September 23, 2025

@r3alism_0fficial Here’s my question for you… #rapture #christiantiktok #jesusisking ♬ peace – Mindset

Rapture Update: It’s Tuesday and I’M STILL HERE!! pic.twitter.com/jUVBKOiFUe

— Kevín (@KevOnStage) September 23, 2025