Radebe, a married man, told The Star that the scandal was a “regrettable moment of weakness”, but denied sleeping with the 29-year old woman.
The Sunday Times revealed that Radebe, 64, had exchanged several improper text messages and emails with Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) photographer, Siyasanga Mbambani.
Mbambani spilled the beans to prove she was being victimised by her superiors.
She was suspended in March following a series of sexual harassment complaints against her boss, Elmond Jiyane.
She accused him of being sexist when he asked that she dress properly when covering the Presidency.
On Monday, Radebe, the longest-serving cabinet minister acted swiftly and took responsibility for his actions.
“I sincerely regret engaging in the text and email conversations, which are improper for a married man,” he said.
“However, beyond those exchanges, there was never a relationship.”
He said sorry to wife Bridgette and South Africa adding that he “should have known better”.