Gus Ferguson was a South African poet and cartoonist. He was born in Scotland in 1940, but moved with his parents to South Africa aged nine. He published eight collections of poems, two books of cartoons and two books for children. Until 2011, he ran Snailpress, a small imprint invaluable as a vehicle for aspiring poets and also edited the poetry journal, Carapace. He lived in Cape Town and died in 2019.

"With a few magical strokes of the pen in both his poetry and cartoons Gus Ferguson gives us a unique vision of the world. His whimsical musings on aspects of living and loving, on growing old and enlightenment, and the lot of spouses. poets and publishers, combine wit and wisdom, playfulness and also profundity. His is a truly original and universal voice, a vital contribution to South African poetry."

“Every so often someone comes along who significantly adds to the lifeblood of the tradition by giving to it so much more than they take from it. Gus Fergusons contribution through his poetry magazines and imprints has made an enormous difference to other writers."