Cosatu's central executive committee meeting kicked off at Gallagher Estate in Midrand on Monday.
Hundreds of delegates, clad in red t-shirts from the various affiliates gathered, singing and dancing ahead of proceedings.
They waved Cosatu flags and sang along with a choir dressed in federation colours.
President Jacob Zuma was set to address the gathering later on Monday.
The four-day meeting was expected to see the ANC ally discuss its economic and political programme of action.
General secretary Zwelinzima Vavi, however, was adamant on Sunday that the federation would steer clear of the ANC succession debate during the meeting -- the party elects new leadership at the end of next year.
The ANC Youth League has urged the ruling party to open the leadership debate. On Sunday, Gauteng ANC spokesman Paul Mashatile reiterated the call, saying a "disciplined discussion" was needed on the matter.
"Cosatu has not discussed any succession or who we are going to support," Vavi said.
"Its cagey to open discussions on leadership too early."
The central committee would be assessing the leadership of the movement. Discussions on alliance relations were also set to feature as well as Cosatu's living wage campaign.
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi will address the gathering on Wednesday and the committee would also focus on the Walmart aquisition of Massmart. On Sunday, shortly after Walmart completed its acquisition of a controlling stake in Massmart, it started advertising price cuts and new business opportunities for South Africa with an eight page colour advertisement in the Sunday Times newspaper.
In the advert Walmart said it intended creating 15,000 jobs in the next five years.
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