Nigeria, Sept. 25 -- A South African pastor, Joshua Mhlakela, has sparked social media debate after his prediction of the rapture failed to materialise.

PREMIUM TIMES gathered that Mr Mhlakela, during an interview on Centtwinz TV podcast posted on YouTube on 22 July, claimed the rapture would occur on 23 to 24 September 2025.

In Christian teaching, particularly within Pentecostal and evangelical circles, the rapture refers to the event when believers in Christ are caught up to meet the Lord in the air before the final judgment and tribulations on earth.

Mr Mhlakela said he dreamt of Jesus, who told him the rapture would occur on those dates, coinciding with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year celebration.

He said, "The Rapture is upon ...