Zuma asked Dalindyebo to make representations about why the recognition certificate as king should not be withdrawn, in line with the request from the AbaThembu royal family, spokesperson Mac Maharaj said in a statement.
"The royal family wrote to the president on 1 October 2012 and 4 February 2013 requesting him to implement their decision taken on 29 September 2012."
The royal family's decision was to remove Dalindyebo as king of the Abathembu.
"The grounds on which a king can be removed are outlined in section 10(1) of the Traditional Leadership and Governance Framework Act, 2003 (Act)," Maharaj said.
"The president has requested written representation from the King, within 30 days of receipt of the letter, which has been delivered to the king."