Discourse in the foundation phase often revolves around that learners cannot read and understand the
text. The purpose of this study was to explore teachers’ perception and understanding of learners’ low reading
performance. Teachers often feel they are able to teach and that learners are unable to read with comprehension.
The design of this study was qualitative approach. A sample of eight teachers was randomly selected from four
schools in Limpopo Province was used in this study. The instrument for data collection was focus group discussion
with the teachers. It was affirmed that there is low level of reading amongst learners. The results also indicated that
the major factors for low reading level amongst others include factors such as the introduction of new curriculum
without proper orientation of those who will implement it on the ground. Various recommendations were made for
interventions.