The offending story was broadcast on SABC's satellite news channel 404 at 8pm on Sunday. It dealt with gender violence.
"The SABC would like to sincerely apologise to the former AU commission chair for the error‚" fellow anchor Francis Herd said in Thursday's mea culpa.
"The acting GE of news has addressed staff on the matter. Measures are being put in place to prevent further occurrences."
Dlamini-Zuma returned home earlier this year to pursue her presidential ambitions as the ANC heads to an elective conference in December‚ when her ex-husband Jacob Zuma is due to be replaced as leader.
Dlamini-Zuma‚ a former cabinet minister‚ served as chair of the African Union Commission since 2012.