A South African pastor, Joshua Mhlakela, has sparked global attention with his claim that the rapture will happen on September 23–24, 2025, coinciding with Rosh Hashanah. He warned that God’s return would leave the world “unrecognisable” and cause the Earth to “shake with such power.”

Appearing on YouTube channel CENTTWINZ TV, Mhlakela said: “The rapture is upon us, whether you are ready or not. I saw Jesus sitting on his throne, and I could hear him very loud and clear saying, ‘I am coming soon.’”

The prophecy has gone viral on TikTok under the hashtag RaptureTok, with some believers even asking if their pets can join them in heaven. Others have taken extreme measures: “They are selling their cars, clothes, some people are making post-rapture kits,” comedian Kevin Fredericks noted, though he questioned the logic of predicting a precise date.

One TikTok user, Tilahun Desalegn, sold his car, saying: “She’s got to go. I won’t need her beyond September. I’m going home, to where my father in heaven is.” He promised to apologize if the prophecy proves false: “I will acknowledge I was very likely deceived.”

The world now waits to see if Mhlakela’s prediction comes true—or fades like past doomsday warnings.