No truth in Zim reports, says Presidency

The Presidency labelled the reports as inaccurate.

The story goes on to speculate that President Zuma would tell regional leaders at the summit that "they should relieve him of his job as facilitator and they are likely to agree with him."

"We wish to clarify that should President Zuma or the South African Government have any position on Zimbabwe, such information is communicated directly through to the Southern African Development Community, or publicly when necessary," said the Presidency.

The office distanced itself from the rumour and rejected the "utilisation of gossip and rumour to communicate a serious matter as South Africa's mediation role in the neighbouring Zimbabwe".