The Businesswomen's Association of South Africa is happy to announce the appointment of Debbi van Heerden as regional chairperson of the Durban branch.

Debbi is the CEO and founding member of Mitras Amenities, which manufactures hotel amenities and distributes products throughout South Africa, and exports into Africa.  Debbi manages all financial aspects, as well as the general management, of her company.  Mitras is one of the largest manufacturers of amenities in South Africa and the factory is based in Cornubia.  Mitras has received many accolades including gender empowerment awards and was a finalist in 2011 for The Africa Awards for Entrepreneurship.  Debbi completed the EY Winning Women Programme in 2015.

Debbi joined the Businesswomen's Association (BWA) as
a member in 2009. In 2011, she joined the BWA committee soon after she became a finalist in the Entrepreneur Category. In 2015, she was appointed as vice-chairperson and was the project champion for BWA Days, which focuses on empowering women from all walks of life. Her goal is to empower women and teach them to be financially independent and free to make their own choices in life. Debbi feels that through the BWA, she can see her objectives of growing women coming to life.

Debbi always finds time to assist various charities with sponsorship requests and event support. The charities she regularly works with are the Robin Hood Foundation, Sunflower Fund and Coastal Horse Care Unit. 

In her free time, she enjoys horse riding and competes in dressage.