The Presidency has denied setting up a "high level government mediation team" to discuss an alleged insult by the AmaMpondo King Zanozuko Sigcau.

The City Press newspaper reported on a "clash of kings" which started with a reference by King Sigcau to King Goodwill Zwelithini and President Jacob Zuma as "amakhwenkwe" (boys).

In a press statement, the Presidency dismissed the article as being without basis.

"The newspaper says a mediation team has been established by President Zuma to discuss with the royal family. This is not true. The President has not established such a team."

"There is no mediation between the President and King Sigcau. The royal family sent a letter of apology last month and the President accepted the apology formally through a letter. The matter was then closed. There are no plans for any further discussion of the matter," they wrote.