South African pastor Joshua Mhlakela, whose prediction that the Rapture would occur in September 2025 failed to materialise, has reportedly made another claim about the timing of the biblical event, placing it between October 12 and 13, 2026.
Mhlakela previously attracted international attention after claiming that the Rapture would take place on September 23 or 24, 2025. His prediction was based on what he described as a supernatural encounter and his interpretation of the Jewish Feast of Trumpets, or Rosh Hashanah.
When the predicted dates passed without the Rapture occurring, the claim generated widespread criticism and discussion online. Reports at the time said some followers had made major preparations, including considering or reportedly taking steps to leave jobs and dispose of property and vehicles.
Mhlakela subsequently revised his calculations and proposed additional dates in 2025, including October dates, arguing that calendar calculations had contributed to the earlier error. Contemporary reports documented his revised claims involving differences between calendar systems.
His latest reported claim shifts the focus to October 12–13, 2026. Mhlakela is said to have based the new calculation on his interpretation of the biblical calendar and the timing of the Feast of Trumpets, which he believes has previously been placed at the wrong point in the calendar.
The new prediction has again renewed debate among Christians about attempts to establish a specific date for the Rapture.
The Rapture is a theological belief, particularly associated with some evangelical and Pentecostal traditions, that believers will be caught up to meet Christ. Christian denominations differ significantly in how they understand the Rapture, the Tribulation and the chronology of Christ’s return.
Mhlakela’s previous prediction was widely challenged because of biblical passages commonly interpreted as warning against attempts to determine the precise timing of Christ’s return. Following the failure of his 2025 prediction, Christian commentators also criticised the practice of setting specific dates for the event.
His latest reported claim is therefore likely to attract renewed scrutiny, particularly because it follows an earlier prediction that did not occur as announced.
Whether October 12–13, 2026 will bring the event Mhlakela predicts remains a matter of religious belief rather than an established fact.