'n Vergelykende studie van die regte van benoemde begunstigdes in lewensversekeringskontrakte

The life insurance contract exists between the insurer and insured. A beneficiary may however be named in the policy to receive the proceeds at the death of the insured. This situation is assumed in the South African right to be a stipulatio alteri. Acceptance is a unique South African requirement set for the beneficiary in applying the stipulatio alteri. It does not entirely relate to the intention of a true agreement on behalf of a third. The beneficiary's rights are very limited. Before the death of the insured the named beneficiary has no right. At this stage it is also impossible for him/her to accept the stipulation to his/her advantage. At the death of the insured a contingent right developed for the beneficiary and must be protected until the beneficiary has indicated his/her intention to accept or refuse the benefit. Once the beneficiary accepts the benefit, he acquires a vested right to the proceeds of the policy.