South Africa’s remote infrastructure, mining, and energy projects often take place far from established towns and economic hubs, in areas where employment opportunities are limited or non-existent.
Accommodation camps are typically only established when there is no viable alternative nearby. As a result, every camp deployment has the potential to create employment, support local businesses, and build skills in communities that may otherwise have limited access to economic opportunities.
“Camps are only built where there is nothing else available. If there were existing accommodation and services nearby, it would be more cost-effective for project owners to use those facilities. This means that wherever we deploy a camp, we immediately create opportunities that would not otherwise exist in the local area,” says Karen Olivier, Business Manager at Waco Modular.
Employment across every phase
Modular camp deployments create employment opportunities throughout the project lifecycle:
- Assembly and construction: When a site-built solution is required, local labour, both skilled and unskilled, is engaged to assist with the assembly and commissioning of the camp. “A site-built camp brings a large element of opportunity because everything is erected on site. You need a mix of skills, and unskilled labour, with many opportunities coming directly from the surrounding community,” Olivier explains.
- Operations and maintenance: Once operational, a modular camp functions like a small town, requiring a broad range of permanent roles to support daily operations. These opportunities include camp management, catering, cleaning, groundskeeping, laundry, recreation, security, pest control and technical services such as electrical, plumbing, and HVAC maintenance. “The operational phase is the longest stage of any camp project and where we often create the greatest value for local communities. Many positions can be filled through on-the-job training, allowing people to develop valuable skills while earning an income,” she adds.
A commitment to local hiring
Supporting local communities is embedded in Waco Modular’s culture and group purpose.
Olivier explains that the company prioritises recruiting from within a 50km radius of a project site wherever possible, only sourcing skills from outside the area when specialised expertise is required.
This approach reduces travel costs, stimulates local economic activity and ensures that project benefits remain within the surrounding communities.
“Local suppliers and small businesses are also integrated into camp operations. They are screened for quality and compliance, then supported throughout the project. We always try to go local first. Quality is non-negotiable, but when we find the right partners, the impact is significant,” notes Olivier.
One example comes from a previous contractor accommodation site, where Waco Modular outsourced laundry services to a local business. With training and consistent work volumes, the supplier expanded their capacity, upgraded equipment and employed more people.
“By the time the project ended, the business had a strong foundation for future growth. That’s the kind of legacy we want to leave,” she says.
Building transferable skills
Additionally, workers gain a wide range of technical and operational skills, ranging from logistics and service delivery to maintenance, health and safety, and customer service. Soft skills such as communication, teamwork and problem-solving are developed through daily interactions and mentorship.
“On-site training turns theory into practical capability. Whether it’s learning how to safely handle equipment or how to deliver consistent service, these skills stay with people long after the project ends,” Olivier explains.
The combination of technical expertise, practical experience and soft skills helps improve long-term employability, creating opportunities for workers to pursue future roles across a range of industries and projects.
Creating a lasting legacy
Modular camps can leave a meaningful legacy when developers make thoughtful decisions. Relocatable units can be donated and repurposed into clinics, classrooms, or community halls. Furniture and equipment can be passed on to local organisations.
“A camp shouldn’t disappear without leaving something behind. When we make good decisions, the community benefits long after the last worker has left,” concludes Olivier.
