Since diamonds were first discovered in Namibia (then called South West Africa) in 1908, the diamond industry has played a crucial role in the country's economy. Diamond revenue contributes more than 30% to Namibia's foreign exchange earnings per annum, the largest portion of which is contributed by Namdeb. Namdeb is also the second biggest employer after the Government, and is the country's largest taxpayer. Namdeb also makes a more direct contribution to the upliftment of the Namibian people through a number of corporate citizenship initiatives. In 1999, NamGem Diamond Manufacturing Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Namdeb, was established in Okahandja, about 70km north of Windhoek. For the first time in the country's history, Namibians are being trained to polish diamonds, equipping them with valuable skills and providing employment in this small, relatively remote community. Revenue from diamonds has funded the construction of a renowned maternity clinic in the north of the country, the initial development of the University of Namibia, and the Namibian Institute for Educational Development. Similar work continues through the Namdeb Social Fund, while the Namdeb Employees Social Responsibility Fund contributes to other worthy causes around the country. Namdeb also provides bursaries and grants to promising students in various fields every year. The company's commitment to training employees is apparent through an in-house bursary scheme, and a wide range of training courses.