Teachers across the province are breathing a sigh of relief following a ruling by the Supreme Court of Apeal to have their salaries paid to them.

Teachers had their pay docked after the public servants' strike last year.

According to media reports, the National Teachers' Union took on the the Department of Education, when the decision was made to dock the salaries of 27 000 teachers, who made it clear that they did not take part in the strike.

A Natu spokesperson said that the department has to pay back at least R23 million plus interest.

Allan Thompson said, "The department will now have to pay at least R50m which includes the 15.5% interest backdated to March 2011. The affected teachers would also be exempted from paying tax when the department reimbursed them."