my pet relocator (not in SA) has just sent two pugs to new zealand. they are flying from qatar to dubai, dubai to sydney and sydney to auckland.
they have to go in separate crates, no airline will let you put animals in a crate together.
my understanding from her is that pugs are difficult to transport, but it can be done as long as an airline can be found that will take them. perhaps thats why the pet relocator you spoke to said they have to go via hong kong, as that may be the only route the cargo airline will take.
good luck :-)