Replying to a parliamentary question, Chabane said a total of R2.8-million was given to the agency for the celebrations, which were held in Port Elizabeth.

The host province, Eastern Cape, had covered the cost of the infrastructure for the National Youth Day celebrations, he said.

The Presidency had spent R820000 through the National Youth Development Agency to show "opportunities available for young people".

Most of the rest of the money was spent on branding and entertainment.

"The agency further covered costs for T-shirts for R490000, berets to the value of R969000, artists for R262000, R294000 for stadium branding and lanyards for R17000," said Chabane.

In addition to the funds provided by The Presidency, Eastern Cape premier Noxolo Kiviet approved more than R2-million from provincial coffers for the event.

Opposition parties have criticised the spending.

This is not the first time that the youth agency has been accused of overspending.

In 2010 it hosted a World Youth Festival that cost taxpayers more than R100-million.

The agency was criticised when festival-goers complained of long queues, going hungry and disorganisation.

It was reported that many delegates spent their time kissing instead of attending scheduled sessions.