Moving up the property ladder

"Government support is very important for the overseas expansion of a big group like us. However, the frequent changes in the South African immigration laws and currency fluctuations are major constraints," Cheng said.

Wang said the company has played an important role in adding more jobs to the South African economy.

"We have provided employment to over 1,000 South Africans in the construction sector, along with the necessary training. Many of them have been with us for over 10 years now," Wang said.

Wei Linhui, foreman of a Galencia housing project in South Africa, who supervises about 70 local construction workers, said: "Most of the workers who came to us in the early days were fresh off the streets and had little idea about construction projects."

But thanks to basic language training provided by the company, Wei said he is able to communicate with the workers in simple English, some Chinese and body language.

Building brand South Africa in China	Property buyers scouring the world in diversification drive