South African citizen and want to live in China permanently

Based on your situation and the application rules, you are almost impossible to get the permanent resident permit in China. However, if you are eager to apply that, you can have a try.

Those who get married, or over 60 years or children under 18 are easily get it, otherwise, one needs to make a outstanding contribution to China or is a specialist needed by China. However, personally speaking, these documents are hard to meet for you.