Thom Kight & Company (Pty) Ltd. is one of Joburg’s leading funeral services companies. They’re a family-run business established in 1981.

We think it’s worth noting that they’re led by expert funeral directors. The company is associated with the World Organisation of Funeral Operatives (FIAT–IFTA), and National Association of Funeral Directors, United Kingdom (NAFD).

Moreover, Thom Kight & Company (Pty) Ltd. is one of the founding members of the Independent Funeral Directors Association of Southern Africa (IFDA).

We also love that they’re an all-around funeral company that offers a wide range of services. Thom Kight & Company (Pty) Ltd. provides repatriation assistance, funeral, burial, cremation, and memorial services.

It’s great that they also have floristry options and catering services to help provide a meaningful service for your loved ones.

In terms of their cremation services, they’re pretty flexible too. They allow straight cremation and provide assistance in funeral services before cremation, and memorial services after cremation.

They also offer a crematorium service, which is supposed to be more intimate and is often open to close friends and family.

We also selected Thom Kight & Company (Pty) Ltd. for their creative options for ash disposal. 

The company allows the bereaved to choose to place the cremated ashes into a bio tree. They also get to choose what kind of tree they want to grow, which makes the service even more personalised.

Another option Thom Kight & Company (Pty) Ltd. presents is the use of memorial jewellery, where custom-made pieces are selected to house the ashes. 

Of course, you can also opt for the more traditional interment and scattering of ashes.

That said, we do note that the funeral home could improve its quality of communication. We’re told that in some cases, clients aren’t updated about plans and schedules regarding the requested cremation.

There is even a report stating that because of the company’s poor communication and planning, the cremation service was delayed, which is disheartening for the bereaved.

Rest Assured is an Authorised Financial Service Provider. In fact, they’re one of the leading funeral policy and repatriation companies in the city. 

They also provide funeral services, cremations, repatriation, and funeral documentation assistance. 

One benefit we see in getting them is that funeral and cremation costs won’t be so much of a shock expense because the insured person will have to have paid their premium monthly. 

Their basic plan costs R 5,000 and clients are billed only R 95 per month – which we find affordable. Clients also appreciate Rest Assured’s efforts to make paying easier by providing payment options online.

Some plans also include other benefits, such as allowance for the bereaved.

Despite being a relatively younger company, Rest Assured impressed us by the fact that they have already served more than 3,800 clients in just over two years.

Another thing we like about this company is they’re well-equipped, staff-wise. They have about 20 agents available to handle service requests.

However, take note that Rest Assured functions more as a financial policy provider rather than a funeral home. Thus, there aren’t many options for ash disposals.

After cremation, the bereaved are given the urn of ashes and the company doesn’t offer any other assistance in disposing of it.

Lastly, to avail of their cremation services, clients must have an active insurance policy with the company.

Kerrs Funeral Directors is a well-established funeral services provider in West Rand. Since its foundation in 1981, Kerrs Funeral Directors was able to build a name for themselves and take one of the leading spots in the industry.

Noteworthy about Kerrs Funeral Directors is their 24-hour trauma and bereavement counselling service. They take a Christian approach, which many clients find comforting.

We think that this is what makes them stand out as bereavement counselling is a key aid in the grieving process.

Moreover, all of Kerrs Funeral Directors’ staff are fully-trained funeral counsellors. This is a big plus for us, as it allows the company to maintain a high standard for their team members.

Unlike other cremation service providers, Kerrs Funeral Directors doesn’t have options for arrangements after the cremation is done. There aren’t ceremonies or anything done to preserve the moment.

Moreover, their funeral service rates are a little higher than most, which is disappointing considering the lack of value-added services. Also, take note that Kerrs Funeral Directors’ operating hours are shorter than those of their competitors.

Finally, we’re disappointed that they’re reportedly difficult to get ahold of, even online. It wouldn’t hurt for them to work on their responsiveness, as this could cost them potential clients.

Cremations Only is a small funeral home that specialises in direct cremation. They also sell life and burial insurance policies to individuals and families.

This company is most popular for its affordable burial covers and funeral services. Clients tell us they appreciate the company’s mission to make great quality service affordable for all.

Their service is quite straightforward, as they only deal with cremations. We do appreciate that clients can choose either a direct cremation with an attendance.

Cremations Only also offers an option to hold a private or public viewing of the deceased and then a funeral service before the cremation proper.

Another thing we like about this funeral home is its flexible scheduling for cremations. Unlike other companies, Cremations Only can hold a cremation with attendance on weekends and holidays.

They uphold traditional funeral customs too, which is a thoughtful gesture. Ashes of the deceased are given to the family to either be scattered or sent home. 

For the latter, Cremations Only provides an urn to house the ashes.

We also like that Cremations Only has people who can arrange flowers, organise a funeral service for the client, and a catering service.

Nonetheless, they have a very small team with limited resources. They easily book up so we suggest you call in early to reserve a slot.

Good thing their customer service hotlines are up 24 hours every day.

Our only issue is the handful of clients grumbles about encountering rude, unprofessional staff. A potential client was turned off when the receptionist apparently shouted at her when she called to make an enquiry.

We hope Cremations Only can deal with this and hire more trained personnel to face clients, as scenarios like the above are unacceptable.

Rand Funerals is one of Johannesburg’s most-recommended cremation service providers. They’re a reputable funeral home with more than 60 years of experience in the business.

They have several offices all over Gauteng Province, which makes it easier for clients who want to transport the remains to another location before the cremation proper.

They’re an all-around company that not only offers assistance in burials and cremations but also supports a client’s transportation needs. 

Moreover, Rand Funerals has affordable funeral insurance policies that help prepare loved ones for unexpected expenses from sudden death.

We also like that documentation assistance is included in their cremation services packages. Rand Funerals will help with the registration of the death, bookings and funeral arrangements.

Our favourite feature is their wide selection of urns. Unlike other cremation service providers that have a standard urn for everybody, Rand Funerals has different colours and designs to choose from.

However, Rand Funerals only does traditional funeral services. While they do assist in funeral ceremonies with an attendance, it’s too bad they don’t have floral arrangements assistance and catering services.

Lastly, Rand Funerals is only open twice a week. It might be difficult to book a cremation service with them outside their limited operating hours.