Rapture No-Show: Zimbabweans Left on Earth

A viral Rapture prophecy predicted believers would vanish on 23–24 September, but Zimbabweans woke to an ordinary Saturday, prompting satire, minor financial losses, and discussions about online religious claims (image source)

Zimbabweans woke to an ordinary Saturday on 24 September after a viral prophecy predicting the “Rapture” on 23–24 September failed to occur, leaving social media satire, abandoned errands, and a few hastily sold items in its wake.

The prophecy, promoted online by South African pastor Joshua Mhlakela and amplified on short video platforms, urged followers to expect the sudden removal of believers into heaven. The claim quickly sparked the hashtag #RaptureTok and posts advising viewers on financial and spiritual preparations for instant departure.

Community impact: Local workplaces and communities felt the ripple effects. An HR manager in Bulawayo reported three employees threatened resignation to “answer God’s call,” only to return to work after midnight passed. Other accounts included a factory worker leaving mid-shift and a man in Cowdray Park selling his car in expectation of an afterlife without vehicles. Residents reacted with a mix of worry, relief, and ridicule, with one Nkulumane resident joking that the only thing that rained was a neighbour’s borehole overflow.

Expert analysis: Commentators cautioned against date-setting, noting the long history of failed end-times predictions. Psychologists say the viral traction reflects broader social anxieties—economic strain, power cuts, and uncertain livelihoods can make apocalyptic certainty appealing. Social platforms amplify these phenomena, compressing messages and turning private faith into public spectacle.

Practical consequences: Financial losses from pre-emptive sales, employment disruptions, and strained family relations are expected to surface in coming weeks. Faith leaders advocating against date-setting stress pastoral care and counseling for congregations who may feel embarrassed or betrayed. Regulators and platform moderators face questions on handling sensational religious content that can cause real harm without malicious intent.

Looking forward: Communities are likely to revert to routine—queues at boreholes, commuter kombis, and the familiar rhythm of outages—but the episode raises questions about the credibility of charismatic prophecy, potential moderation policies for online religious claims, and whether households will seek redress for demonstrable financial losses. For now, no angels arrived, and Zimbabweans remain on Earth, busy with bills and boreholes.