More than 6000 children and youth attended President Jacob Zuma's RDP education trust party in KwaNxamalala, Nkandla in KwaZulu-Natal, the presidency said on Monday.

This was Zuma's 13th year hosting the annual Christmas party.

"Every year, we look forward to this day when we do something for the many orphans and children who come from the poorest of backgrounds yet have this thirst for knowledge and education," Zuma said in a statement.

Since its establishment the education trust had educated 24,000 students, Zuma said.

Those in attendance came from KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and the Eastern Cape.

The children received Christmas gifts, which included lunch packs, school bags, vanity bags, and an undertaking from the SA Social Security Agency to follow up and deliver books to needy and disadvantaged pupils, Zuma said.

What Zuma was doing through the trust was building on the work he had done for education since becoming president, said Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande.