An apology is not a defence to a claim of defamation. If a publisher apologises, that apology does not constitute an admission of fault and cannot be used to determine liability in a defamation action [Defamation Act 2005 (SA) s 20].
A published apology may minimise the damage done by the original publication. Where an offer of apology is made, it can be used to mitigate (reduce) damages [Defamation Act 2005 (SA) s 36(1)(a)].