Joshua Mhlakela predicts Rapture for 12–13 October after failed claims
South African Pastor Joshua Mhlakela has claimed the Rapture will occur on 12-13 October 2026 – just days away – based on divine visions, despite having made multiple failed predictions previously. Most notably, his September 2025 prediction caused widespread panic, with followers selling homes, cars and quitting jobs to prepare for the end-times event.
Mhlakela justifies his previous failed predictions by claiming God deliberately delayed the Rapture to allow more time for repentance, a claim he says aligns with scripture. His latest calculation is purportedly based on new visions involving two full moons and astrological signs, which he argues reveal that the Feast of Trumpets actually occurs in October rather than September, contradicting common interpretation.
- Pastor claims Rapture is 7-8 days away after multiple failed predictions
- His 2025 false prediction caused followers to sell homes and quit jobs
- He attributes previous failures to God deliberately delaying judgment
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The Rapture is a Christian belief that the devout will be suddenly taken away to heaven before the end of the world. Joshua Mhlakela is a South African pastor who has built a significant following by prophesying specific dates for this event. His predictions have generated substantial devotion amongst supporters, who have acted on his claims with dramatic life changes.
Mhlakela's most consequential prediction to date occurred in September 2025, when he announced the Rapture would arrive imminently. His followers responded with remarkable commitment, with many selling homes and vehicles or abandoning their employment to prepare for the predicted end times. When the event did not occur, Mhlakela maintained his authority by explaining that God had chosen to delay the Rapture to allow more time for spiritual repentance.
Despite a pattern of failed predictions followed by theological explanations, Mhlakela continues to issue new prophecies that attract devoted followers. Believers have repeatedly made substantial changes to their lives based on his predictions, including selling property and leaving employment. This cycle of prediction, non-fulfilment, and theological reinterpretation has become characteristic of Mhlakela's ministry over several years.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Pastor who sparked doomsday panic claims the Rapture is just DAYS away”.