‘Economics is about morality’ - Dr Iraj Abedian
To me, economics is about morality.
Dr Iraj Abedian
I was born in a very poor, underserviced village.
Dr Iraj Abedian
I don’t believe in using resources for extravagant ends.
Dr Iraj Abedian
Every week The Money Show’s Bruce Whitfield interviews a famous person about her or his attitude to money (hopes and fears, successes and failures, etc.) as part of his weekly “Make Money Mondays” feature.
This week he interviewed Pan-African Investments and Research Services CEO Dr Iraj Abedian.
Iranian born Abedian came to South Africa as a student in 1980, fascinated by the country’s history and eager to involve himself in the promotion of racial harmony.
What is it about money that excites him, or keeps him up at night?
Listen to the interview in the audio below (and/or scroll down for more quotes from it).
It [being poor] was a reality we accepted.
Dr Iraj Abedian
If you had 75% or above; your education [in Iran at that time] was almost free.
Dr Iraj Abedian
I was very proud of getting my first paycheque!
Dr Iraj Abedian
I really began to learn English when I came to Cape Town in 1980.
Dr Iraj Abedian
I was headhunted by Standard Bank.
Dr Iraj Abedian
Some of my investments I did myself and some I gave to institutions to manage… I got more results than the institutions!
Dr Iraj Abedian
I’ve developed a fairly systematic way of identifying [investment] opportunities.
Dr Iraj Abedian
Money should be used for social things; for productive things.
Dr Iraj Abedian
Money is only a means of creating what you aspire to create.
Dr Iraj Abedian
Click here (then“like” the page) to follow Bruce on Facebook.
Enter your email address in the form below to receive a newsletter containing the most-read articles of the week from Bruce Whitfield’s The Money Show every Friday morning in your inbox.
Article brought to us by Old Mutual.
This article first appeared on 702 : ‘Economics is about morality’ - Dr Iraj Abedian
More from Make Money Mondays

'There are wonderful advantages to growing up in a community like that'
Bruce Whitfield interviews Ralf Schmitt (Ndlovu Youth Choir) about his attitude to money (hopes, fears, successes, failures, etc.)
Read More
I tried to keep up with the Motsepe’s - Matthew Booth
Former Bafana Bafana defender Matthew Booth talks about his attitude to money (hopes and fears, successes, and failures, etc.).
Read More
I’m an unapologetic capitalist. I enjoy making money - Herman Mashaba, ActionSA
Bruce Whitfield interviews ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba about his attitude to money (hopes, fears, successes, failures, etc.).
Read More
'Statistics reveal difficult stories. I wish politicians could see what I see'
Former Statistician-General Dr Pali Lehohla on his attitude to money (hopes and fears, successes and failures, etc.).
Read More
I love economics. It’s part of me - Kevin Lings (Chief Economist, Stanlib)
Kevin Lings (Chief Economist, Stanlib) opens up about his attitude to money (hopes and fears, successes and failures, etc.).
Read More
'I grew up poor, but never realised it'
Bruce Whitfield interviews Ciko Thomas (Nedbank) about his attitude to money (hopes and fears, successes and failures, etc.).
Read More
'We lived in a big house with a pool. But my parents were anxious about money'
Bruce Whitfield interviews 702 presenter John Perlman about his attitude to money (hopes and fears, successes and failures, etc.).
Read More
Famed forensic scientist David Klatzow (Gavin Watson, Helderberg crash) on money
Bruce Whitfield interviews David Klatzow about his attitude to money (hopes and fears, successes and failures, etc.).
Read More
ANC stalwart Derek Hanekom opens up about his money and beliefs about it
Bruce Whitfield talks to anti-apartheid activist Derek Hanekom about his attitude to money (hopes, fears, successes, failures...)
Read More
My job makes me feel worthy. I love it! – Wendy Knowler, consumer journalist
The Money Show’s Bruce Whitfield interviews Knowler about her attitude to money (hopes and fears, successes and failures, etc.).
Read More