'May you live in interesting times' (Old Chinese curse). Never before has this been more true or more relevant to IT (ICT) than now. Viewed from a South African perspective, and especially from a Higher Education (HE) perspective, the traditional role and positioning of ICT has changed radically, making the Chinese expression extremely relevant not only from the perspective of a curse, but also from the perspective of the rich ambit of opportunities it holds.

During the last three years, and closely related to the merger of higher education institutions in South Africa, ICT is being re-evaluated not only in terms of the value it adds to the organisational well-being, but also in terms of its role as a key enabler of the teaching- and learning environment. Very few, if any, meaningful discussions can be conducted about the role of ICT in Higher Education without encountering words and phrases such as "into Africa", 'learning gateways', 'enabler', 'governance', 'best-practice', 'flexibility', 'agility', etc. In acknowledgement of the ICT-mandate in Higher Education, CITTE 2006 attempts to underpin and explore ICT's role through meaningful debate and discussion of those issues and instances that govern the rapid migration of ICT from a typical back-room operation to a key enabler and facilitator of the teaching- and learning experience, nationally and internationally.

ICT: Enabling Collaboration and Transformation in Higher Education

Embedded in this theme lies evidence of 'the curse' as well as an array of opportunities for development, growth and transformation. It essentially provides a backdrop and framework to focus the conference not only in terms of the expected outcome, but also in terms of the value contribution it aims to make to the Higher Education sector, nationally and internationally.

In support of the theme, a rich array of national and international speakers will inform the conference of relevant developments that will shape and transform the Higher Education sector in South Africa, Africa as a whole and internationally. Understanding the drivers for transformation delivers the curse (threats) as well as the hidden opportunities it brings. May this conference challenge you, inspire you, and waken you to a new world of ICT in Higher Education.