Visit Permit without Passport pages

Dear Sir/Madam
I have had a few multiple entry visa's issued over the past 4 years. I have left mainland China to Hong Kong and wish to return again for further business. However my passport has no empty pages, although it is still valid until 2018, and my current entry permit has expired. I would require a VOA for 72 hours for Shenzhen, is it possible to receive one that is not placed in my passport? I have applied to the South African Embassy for a new passport and they have advised me it will take up to 4 months to receive. However my business will suffer if I cannot enter Shenzhen while I wait for my new passport. Please advise urgently. Sincere thanks Hendrie