The State has asked for a postponement in the matter between King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo of the Abathembu and President Jacob Zuma, the presidency said on Monday.

“The State attorney has written to King Dalindyebo’s attorneys requesting the postponement of the matter when it comes before court on September 5 because it was not possible for government to complete certain internal processes before the answering affidavits could be filed,” the presidency said in a statement.

“In the meantime, the president undertook not to act on the request for the withdrawal of the certificate of recognition of the king.”

Government respondents were supposed to file their answering affidavits on or before August 29.

Dalindyebo approached the Mthatha High Court in a bid to interdict Zuma from removing him as a king.

Acting Judge Justin Laing at the Mthatha High Court issued directives granting Dalindyebo a hearing date of September 5.

In July, Zuma wrote to Dalindyebo asking him to make representations about why his recognition certificate as king should not be withdrawn.

Zuma’s spokesman Mac Maharaj said this was in line with the request from the Abathembu royal family. They wrote to Zuma on October 1, 2012 and February 4, 2013 asking him to implement their decision, taken on September 29, 2012, to remove Dalindyebo as king. SAPA