Outgoing African Union chairwoman Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma's attempt to woo the support of Xhosa King Mpendulo Zwelonke Sigcawu backfired.
The monarch told her that the country was not ready for a female president.
"South Africa is not yet ready to be led by a woman president. Women are sensitive by nature.
"The country's problems have overwhelmed leaders who are men, how much more [so] for a woman," said the king, whose historic coronation in 2015 was the first of a Xhosa king in 50 years.
On Tuesday, Dlamini-Zuma claimed her visit was merely to pay homage to the king but it has been suggested that she was there to seek support ahead of the ANC elective conference to in December.
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