ALBAWABA - Many people are terrified, and they are selling their homes after a South African, Christian pastor claimed via a broadcast that he saw Jesus Christ during his sleep, who told him that doomsday is near.
An ancient religious prophecy has sparked widespread controversy in South Africa after Joshua Mhlakela, a Christian pastor, claimed that the end of the world would occur on Tuesday, September 23, or Wednesday, September 24.
This prompted some to take drastic steps, such as quitting their jobs, selling their cars and homes, and donating their money in preparation for their journey to heaven.
"The rapture is upon us, whether you are ready or not," Mhlakela said in an interview with YouTube channel Cet twinzTV.
Pastor claims to see Jesus return, calls believers to sell homes, cars and donate money
He predicted the return of Jesus Christ "on the 23rd and 24th of September 2025," adding that Jesus will only take believers to heaven with him.
Mhlakela said via Cet twinzTV that he had seen visions of Jesus returning on "Rosh Hashanah," the Jewish New Year.
The South African pastor allegedly revealed that he saw "Jesus sitting on his throne, and I could hear him very loud and clear saying, 'I am coming soon,'" listing the dates of September 23 and 24 as the dates of his return.
He added: "He said to me, 'On the 23rd and 24th of September 2025, I will come to take my church.'"
How did people respond to the doomsday claim?
This prophecy has caused confusion among people, with some already selling their belongings.
One TikTok user said that he had sold his car, saying, "I won't need it after September. I'm going back to where my father lives." Meanwhile, another social media user posted a video on her account confirming that she is giving up her home and will donate her car, adding, "Material things won't mean anything anymore."
An X user mockingly wrote, "Netizens have taken to the timeline to share satirical posts of how long they have spent preparing for today's Rapture, which is still yet to occur at the time of this writing. Are you expecting the Rapture today?"
A person said, "Anyone who still follows false prophet Joshua Mhlakela is on their way to hell. This man does not read the Bible because if he did, he would know God says no man would know the time nor day of the rapture."
