A tribute to a dear friend

Many times we wait until a friend has died to tell the world what a wonderful person they were, and I’m just as guilty as the next person about that. Today, I would like to pay tribute to a very dear friend and pray that God will allow me to be present as he is presented with his crown of glory. His name is Donvan Mugasha. Over the years, he taught me that we one could be friends with pretty much anyone if they gave it time. His sudden death came with so many questions, lessons and memories - lately, it’s like he is painted all over the streets.

I met Donvan seven years ago in high school and ours wasn’t friendship at first sight. In fact I didn’t like him – the boy was arrogant. But, I was friends with his mates, so we used to talk a little. We became close after his mother’s death. The four of us who attended her burial become very close to him from then on and he had a name for us - The Fantastic Four. As we mourned his mother, I realised that behind the arrogant swagger had been a macho act for the world from a vulnerable boy. And I prodded till I broke through that wall and made him relaxed around me.

Let me describe my friend. Donvan was the most focused and intelligent 22-year-old I knew - no wonder he used to refer to himself as “bigger brains”. You would think he either manufactured or was a magnet for brilliant business ideas. Problem was, most of them needed funding and he had not been lucky to find sponsors. The amazing thing about all his ideas is that directly or indirectly, they were meant to help people. My friends and I always said that one day, someone would realise how good his concepts were and he would become filthy rich. He was sacrificial and a very good listener – he always listened however trivial the problem was. Donvan always wanted to be strong for everyone and hated being vulnerable. As the rest of us whined about life, he was always the optimistic one. He was a role model to so many of his friends.

My most memorable moment is the night he asked me out. He told me to apply makeup, go to the salon and look hot for him. I thought he was being nice because he needed a favour. When I got to the venue, he ordered pizzas but before I could dig in, he said, “You won the award of Female Friend the past two years. You continued to be a person that offered comfort, fun and motivation for the things that I need to do in life. You also introduced me to your friends and helped me fit in. Thank you for being there for me always. You are a big influence in my life. Thank you for being a friend.” I cried.

I miss our night walks on the streets, when we acted like we were from the ghettos Bobi Wine likes to sing about and moved around bouncing. I miss pretending that we were a couple whenever we had an audience from drivers stuck in the jam. And how much we laughed when they all gazed and took us for real. I miss you so much, Donvan.

I’m glad that you accepted Christ as your personal saviour and went to heaven. I pray that we all join you there someday. We love you and you will forever be in our hearts. May your soul rest in eternal peace.