A South African pastor has drawn widespread attention after urging his congregation to climb a mountain and wait for what he claimed would be the imminent return of Jesus Christ. The unusual move has sparked public debate, with many questioning both the prophecy and its impact on followers.
Pastor Joshua Mhlakela, leader of a local church, announced that he had received a divine revelation indicating that the rapture would take place between September 23 and 24, 2025. In Christian belief, the rapture refers to an end-time event in which faithful believers are taken up to heaven.
Speaking in an interview with Cettwinz TV, Pastor Mhlakela declared: “The rapture is upon us, whether you are ready or not.” He said the vision was clear and urged Christians to prepare themselves spiritually, insisting that the moment of Christ’s return was now at hand.
Following his proclamation, many members of his congregation abandoned their daily routines, including work and school, to gather on a mountain as instructed. Videos shared online show groups of men, women, and children climbing the mountain while praying and chanting, “Come and take us, Lord.” The atmosphere in the videos is one of anticipation, with congregants visibly emotional as they awaited the event.
The pastor’s announcement quickly circulated on social media, triggering mixed reactions. Some commentators expressed deep concern for the wellbeing of the congregants who had put aside their responsibilities to wait for the prophecy to unfold. Others accused the pastor of misleading vulnerable people with unfounded claims. Meanwhile, a section of believers defended him, saying that faith required unquestioning obedience and readiness for the return of Christ.
This is not the first time that predictions of the rapture have stirred controversy. Across the world, several pastors and religious leaders have previously claimed to know the date of Christ’s return, but none of those predictions have ever materialized. Critics argue that such announcements exploit the faith of believers, leaving them disillusioned when the events fail to occur.
Local authorities have not yet commented on the mountain gathering, but religious analysts say such movements can sometimes lead to wider social and economic consequences. Congregants who suspend work or education in anticipation of prophetic events often suffer long-term setbacks if the predictions fail.
Despite the criticism, Pastor Mhlakela maintains his stance. In the interview, he stressed that his message was urgent and came from divine authority. “This is not my word; this is God’s word,” he said.
The story continues to trend online, with many South Africans following developments closely to see what will happen after the dates given by the pastor pass. For now, the congregation remains firm in their belief, gathered in prayer on the mountain, convinced that they are about to witness history.
As the expected dates approach, the prophecy has become a topic of national conversation, reigniting discussions about faith, prophecy, and the responsibilities of spiritual leaders in guiding their followers.
