James Motlatsi was a founder member of the National Union of Mineworkers and its first President, and founder member of the Congress of South African Trade Unions. He is involved with the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund and is a member of South African Literacy Initiatives. He was awarded the Order of Ramatseatsana by the King of Lesotho in 2001, as well as a Doctorate of Philosophy in Social Sciences – Honoris Causa, by the National University of Lesotho. James is Deputy Chairman of Anglo Gold and CEO of TEBA Limited.