Trusted Exhumation Services Since 1981
More Than a FarewellIt is Sensitivity
- Lawful exhumations managed from start to finish
- Permits and approvals handled on your behalf
- Carried out privately, respectfully, and with dignity
"Thom Kight guided our mother's cremation with dignity and ensured her ashes reached Australia safely."
— Peter & Mandy"Your kind assistance and caring approach were deeply comforting at an awful time."
— Allison"Excellent service and superb efficiency. You gave our mom a beautiful send off."
— CarynA Meaningful Farewell
Handled With Care and Respect
Sometimes circumstances require a loved one to be moved or reburied. Whether due to relocation, family wishes, or legal requirements, we provide calm guidance and respectful care.
Gentle Support When It Feels Heavy
Exhumation can bring up many emotions. We guide you calmly, explain each step clearly, and stay with you throughout.
Respect for Your Loved One, Always
We treat your loved one with the same dignity we would our own, carrying out everything with care, privacy and deep respect.
Handled Carefully, So You Can Find Peace
We oversee permissions and coordination from start to finish, so you are not left with paperwork, pressure or uncertainty.
Why Choose Us
Careful Guidance When It Matters Most
Exhumation can be emotionally and legally complex. We provide calm, lawful guidance so your loved one is handled with dignity and your family is supported throughout.
A Trusted Family Legacy
For over 40 years families across South Africa have trusted our family-run team to handle difficult decisions with integrity and discretion.
Quiet Dignity at Every Step
When an exhumation must take place, experience and discretion matter. Our team ensures every step is handled properly and respectfully.
Professional and Discreet
Exhumations are carried out privately by experienced professionals who follow strict health and cemetery regulations.
Compassionate Family Support
We stay close throughout the process, answering questions and offering reassurance whenever it is needed.
We handle every detail with respect so your family can focus on supporting one another.
Exhumation Services
From First Permits to Final Arrangements
We handle lawful exhumations from application to next steps, including permits, municipal coordination and dignified handling.
Relocation or Reburial
We manage lawful exhumations for relocation to another cemetery or province, and support respectful reburial plans.
Permits and Authorisations
We coordinate Department of Health, municipality, cemetery authority and related approvals required for compliance.
Transport and Next Steps
We co-ordinate onward plans including cremation, reburial, relocation or international arrangements where required.
OUR ACCREDITATIONS
Funeral Director Associations
We operate according to industry's codes of practice and ethics.
World Organisation of Funeral Operatives
Thom Kight & Company is a member of FIAT-IFTA, the biggest network of Funeral Operatives worldwide.
Independent Funeral Directors Association of South Africa
Thom Kight & Company is a founding member of IFDA, an international network of funeral directors across Southern Africa.
National Association of Funeral Directors, United Kingdom
Thom Kight & Company is a member of NAFD, the largest and longest-established Trade Association within the funeral profession.
Funeral Federation of South Africa
Thom Kight & Company is a member of the FFSA, the regulatory body and beacon of dignity, respect, and professionalism within South Africa's funeral services industry.
Thom Kight Client Feedback
What Real Families Say
Reasons Families Choose Exhumation
Understanding Your Options
Court Ordered or Forensic Exhumations
We support legal or investigative exhumations, coordinating with the relevant authorities as required.
Correction of Burial Errors
If something went wrong with the original burial, we guide you through the proper process to correct it respectfully.
Cemetery Conditions and Concerns
If the cemetery environment no longer feels right, we help relocate your loved one with dignity and discretion.
"Clear guidance, lawful compliance, and dignified handling, from permits and planning to the next step your family chooses."
The Exhumation Process
We guide you through each step.
Application and Consent
We send forms to the applicant and guide supporting affidavits from family members where required.
Permits and Authorisations
We coordinate approvals with Department of Health, municipality, cemetery authorities and COGTA, plus SAPS/forensic teams when needed.
Exhumation and Handling
The exhumation is carried out privately by trained professionals under strict health, safety and hygiene requirements.
Transport and Next Steps
We coordinate onward plans, including reburial, cremation, relocation to another province, or international arrangements.
Why Choose Thom Kight
40 Years Serving South African Families
For over 40 years, Thom Kight & Company has been guiding South African families with compassion, care and professionalism. We understand that every farewell is deeply personal, and we treat each one with the respect it deserves.
Founded in 1981 by the Keight family, we remain a family-run business built on values that have never changed — compassion, integrity and respect for every person we serve.
- A Living Legacy —Over 40 years of experience, still led by the the Keight family today.
- Family Values —Compassion, understanding and honesty guide everything we do.
- Personal Service —Dedicated support from our experienced team at every step.
- Trusted Reputation —Known for professionalism, reliability and genuine care across South Africa.
Common Exhumation Questions
Everything you need to know
LET'S TALK WHEN YOU'RE READY
Arrange an Exhumation With Care and Confidence
Private, compassionate conversation. Clear next steps. No pressure.
- Private, compassionate conversation
- Clear next steps explained in plain language
- No obligation, no pressure
YOUR FAMILY IS OUR
priority