Getting ready for Monday’s Anglo AGM – not just for the grub

On Monday, I'll be taking advantage of my location by attending the Anglo American AGM at a swanky conference centre in Westminster. Once South Africa's pre-eminent corporation, Anglo has come through a trying period. But with the share price having rebounded strongly in the past year, it's likely to be a cheery atmosphere.

AGMs are a critical part of the machinery of capitalism. It is at these once a year gatherings that shareholders get the opportunity to quiz the management team to whom they have entrusted their savings.

It's a pity that so few co-owners of the business make the effort to exercise this right. Because only by doing so can shareholders apply much needed restraints on the hubris and arrogance that can so easily take hold of boardrooms.

I'll be attending a lot more AGMs this year. Hopefully you'll do so too. The grub alone is usually worth the journey.