Former President Kgalema Motlanthe says the government must take charge of the country's response to anti-migrant protests, warning that failing to do so will lead to lawlessness.

Former President Kgalema Motlanthe has warned that if the government fails to take control of the recent anti-migrant protests, the country risks lawlessness and chaos.

He made the remarks at the Motlanthe Foundation's winter seminar in Sandton on Thursday, where discussions focused on migration.

“The recent spate of demonstrations against so-called foreign nationals highlights the competition for limited resources and opportunities in South Africa's poorest communities.

“Given the structure of our economy, it is therefore imperative for the government to always strive to be in charge as it responds to the crisis of the unemployed, the poor and marginalized sections of our nation.”