As President of The University of Queensland’s African Students Association, Tapiwa Motsu is driven by a strong sense of community, leadership and cultural connection – values that have shaped her experience as an international student.
Tapiwa is among a cohort of high-achieving sponsored students who have brought their perspectives, talents and energy to campus life. After receiving a full scholarship funded by the Botswana Government, she came to UQ and is now in her fourth year of a Bachelor of Business Management in UQ's School of Business, Economics and Law.
Alongside her academic journey, Tapiwa has taken on a key leadership role in elevating the visibility of the African student community, creating opportunities for students to socialise, celebrate their cultures, and build a sense of belonging - particularly for those living far from home for the first time.
“The main goal of the African Students Association is to create a home away from home,” Tapiwa said.
“It’s about recreating the little things, like the food you get from the side of the road back in Africa, the music, the people, the jokes and the conversations.
“Even if people are coming for something as simple as a movie night, I want them to feel like they’re back home.”
Tapiwa also hopes to encourage more students to join the Association, whether they are from Africa or not.
“I think people who are not part of a group, ethnically, are too scared to join, but the cultural societies at UQ welcome anyone with open arms," she said.
“I’ve met other presidents of cultural societies, and they’re very open to anybody because the point is not to exclude people, but to create a platform where, if you want to learn about that group, you can - and you can do it with us. So, don’t be scared. If you’re scared, you’re taking away your own chance to learn about the world.”
Tapiwa joined 18 other sponsored students from 10 African countries, including 6 peers from Botswana, to celebrate Africa Day at UQ.
On Monday, 25 May, UQ’s Global Sponsorships and Mobility team, led by team manager and South African native Arthur Johnson, marked the globally celebrated day by hosting a dinner where students could connect and socialise.
“It was the loveliest invite I've ever received,” Tapiwa said.
“This was my first time feeling celebrated or acknowledged by UQ. I think we really appreciated having someone like Arthur, also from home, who understands and wants to hear us out and understands our situation.”
As she continues her studies, Tapiwa remains focused on creating both personal and collective impact, including organising an Afro Ball on 19 September 2026 – the first event of its kind in Brisbane.
Once she graduates in 2027, Tapiwa hopes to stay in Brisbane.
“I’ve made some forever friends, and I can see a future for myself here. I think despite any bad experiences or bad memories, I've also made so many amazing ones. I really want to explore what that could look like for me,” Tapiwa said.
“At home, everything is already mapped out for me. I’m expected to fit into certain moulds and spaces that, at times, I don’t even want to be part of.”
“But being in Brisbane on my own, I'm able to try the things I want to try. It gives me a chance to find out what I actually like without being defined by the title of a big sister or a family woman.”
Tapiwa also aims to build on the experience she has gained balancing academic commitments with leadership and community work.
Follow UQ African Students Association for up coming events
Photo credit: Taina Flatz
