ANC Youth League members were leaving the grounds in front of the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Friday after delivering a memorandum of demands centering on the economy and high youth unemployment.
Public Works Minister Thulas Nxesi accepted the document and promised to take it to the “relevant structures” of government for a response in due course.
“This memorandum is very positive because it raises issues we are currently talking about at government level,” Nxesi told the crowd.
These issues included unemployment and poverty, he said.
Nxesi is a former secretary-general of the SA Democratic Teachers Union.
“Not long ago I was also on the street as well marching for economic freedom, improvement of the economy and the creation of jobs and I know exactly how it feels to demand better conditions ...” he said.
Nxesi thanked the league for having marched peacefully.
“I wish other stakeholders can learn from you when they voice their grievances.”
ANCYL president Julius Malema told reporters afterwards he had marched for 35km.
He walked with a limp on Friday as marchers made their way from the Caledonian Stadium in Pretoria to the Union Buildings.
Estimates of how many people joined the two-day march that began in the Joburg CBD on Thursday ranged from 2 000 to 10 000.
“People say the numbers are too small,” Malema said.
“Those people who say that can't even organise 20 people for a birthday. Thank you all. Numbers stand at 25 000 people.”
Malema added: “We are not fighting government, we want more. We want job creation to be doubled.
“You cannot compare our government to the government of Egypt and Tunisia. If you march it doesn't mean you don't love the ANC.” – Sapa