The study by the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation found South Africans are generally quite tolerant of violence and that the majority sees it as a legitimate way of dealing with differences.
The centre's Adèle Kirsten said, "What you see often when people are, lets say, in a bar having a fight, someone will encourage someone to use violence. It seem like you have a right to use violence, that's what I mean by legitimacy."
However, MPs questioned the value of the report, complaining that it fails to explain why violent crime is escalating.
Principal researcher David Bruce became defensive when they tackled him on the report's "glaring omissions."
One MP said, "To develop a new explanation of violence would be incredibly unrealistic."
Sotyu went as far as to question some of the findings.
She said, "Where it is said that violent crime, the biggest portion, is from poor people, it's not true."
However, she said there are some bits of useful information the ministry will use to tackle violent crimes.
"I don't throw it away and say it's not value for money until we read the entire report then we can engage and say it's not value for money. However I'm satisfied about the issues that they've raised, but what we need now is to come up with ways on how to deal with those challenges," she said.
CSVR is a multi-disciplinary institute that seeks to understand and prevent violence, heal its effects and build sustainable peace at the community, national and regional levels.
