Abstract
This article investigates the undermining of young ministers of religion by members of the
public and congregants, as it is illustrated in P. T. Mtuze’s novel; Indlel’ecand’intlango (1985).
This investigation is fulfilled by considering how Ntobeko Ndleleni, who is a young pastor and
the leading character in the story, is looked down upon both by members of society and his
congregation. The undermining by members of the public is discussed as it is presented taking
place at a train station in King William’s Town, where passengers comment on this character.
The denigration by members of the congregation is revealed in a conversation by congregants
referring to this cleric. The question this essay is attempting to answer is whether Mtuze
exemplifies 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 their diminutive form to emphasise the
belittling of this cleric. A definition of the concept of ‘undermining’ is included as part of the
study. Lastly, a concluding section is included where the summary and evaluation, and
recommendations are provided.