This article investigates the undermining of young ministers of religion by members of the public, as it is illustrated in P. T. Mtuze\\\'s novel; Indle\\\' ecand\\\' intlango (1985). This investigation is fulfilled by considering how Ntobeko Ndleleni,who is a young pastor and a leading character in the story, is looked down upon both by the members of society and his congregants. The question this article is attempting to answer is whether Mtuze illustrates this tendency convincingly in his novel. Nouns such as usana,(an infant), iqhajana (a young haughty person)and umfundisana (a young pastor), and the adverb ngamakhwenkwe (by boys), which are used by the characters who denigrate Ntobeko, are discussed. It is also revealed how some of these expressions are used in the diminutive form to emphasise the belittling of this cleric. A definition of the concept of \\\'undermining\\\' is included as part of this study. Lastly, a concluding section is included where the summary and evaluation, and recommendations are provided.\\n\\nKey concepts: undermining, P. T. Mtuze, Indlel\\\' ecand\\\' intlango, ministers of religion.

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