Financial Mail steals a look into the year ahead

The issues debated range from serious economics to mischievous entertainment. On the domestic front, Steven Friedman argues that what happens will matter less than how it happens. He points out that President Thabo Mbeki's leadership style has courted rebellion within the ruling the African National Congress (ANC) party. This discontent has coalesced around Jacob Zuma, presenting the ANC with its most serious crises to date. How these events come to a head will determine the shape of politics in 2006.

Political economist and commentator Adam Habib says the future of a vibrant democracy in the country depends on whether a degree of political uncertainty begins to develop. Without it, he argues, the ANC will continue to dominate and democracy will suffer.

SA's trade relations with the world's great emerging economies - China, India and Brazil - will have a major impact on economic growth, according to China expert Martyn Davies. Closer to home, the prospects for consumer spending, property prices, black economic empowerment and investment opportunities are explored by top FM writers.

The special edition also offers sound advice on where to relax (choice getaways and golf estates), what to read (the best book picks) and what to buy (from electronic gadgets to cars). There is also a retrospective on 10 years of Viagra and a look at breakthroughs in health technology.

In sport, Mark Gleeson attempts to console Bafana Bafana fans who will not be going to the World Cup, Dan Retief worries about over-extended rugby players and Rob Rose is concerned about the Proteas' moments of fragility.