Lalaza: When Grease Becomes a Crisis | Johannesburg News

In South Africa, kids are turning to a cheap, homemade concoction called “lalaza” — made from cooking oil and leftover sauce — after school, sparking wild reactions like hallucinations and explosive diarrhea. While police initially dismissed it as just greasy food, the bizarre behavior has led to fears it’s a drug. Authorities have seized dozens of sachets and launched awareness campaigns, helping curb its use. But experts say the real issue lies deeper: poverty and food insecurity are driving kids toward risky substances. With schools already battling violence and substance abuse, educators are calling for community-wide solutions — because no single institution can protect youth alone. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/95ebb461e3d3a7e7