Staffrider magazine (1978-1993), took its name and identity from township slang for black youth who rode the overcrowded, racially segregated commuter trains by sitting on the roof or hanging onto the outside. This significant literary and cultural magazine enabled the expression of culture, history and protest in the form of poetry, short stories, graphics and photography from the Southern African region. It provided a valuable publishing platform for aspiring writers, artists, photographers and community projects and offered a forum to challenge racial and cultural oppression. The first issue was banned due to its "undesirable" content. Works by well known South Africans were featured alongside previously unpublished authors/artists.