African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) members were leaving the lawns in front of the Union Buildings in Pretoria in the early afternoon on Friday after delivering a memorandum of demands related to the economy and high unemployment.

Water sprinklers that suddenly sprang to life hastened the departure of some who were taking a breather on the grass.

Buses and taxis were waiting for those who joined the league's "economic freedom" march that began in Johannesburg on Thursday.

Public Works Minister Thulas Nxesi accepted the memorandum 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 South African 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 Johannesburg 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."

He lambasted some media houses, saying they sought negatives to report on but could find nothing.

"We are a disciplined organisation," Malema said

Some people climbed on trees to get a better view of their leaders upfront. They waved ANCYL flags.

The Tshwane metro police voiced satisfaction with the league's peaceful march.

"Two cases of minor exhaustion were reported and the people received treatment from emergency services. They were fine later," said spokesperson Console Tleane.

A number of streets were closed off and police secured the Union Buildings, the sandstone seat of government power in Pretoria since the early days of South African Union.

Many vendors, such as 30-year-old Mpho Mokwena, cashed in on the two-day protest, selling pap, fried chicken, steak and soft drinks.

"This march was a great opportunity for me to run my business," Mokwena, who was very happy with his turnover, said.