It's my property, I can build what I want!

No, you can't. If found guilty of illegal building work, you will receive a criminal record. The NBR is is not just a recommendation but a law.

The NBR says I am exempted from plans for Minor building works

Yes, you are correct, BUT you need to apply at the building control officer for exemption of plans.

Regulation 13: Exemption of Buildings from National Building Regulations and Authorization for Erection Thereof

(1) Any building control officer may in respect of the erection of a building defined in the national building regulations as a minor building work, in writing-
(a) exempt the owner of such building from the obligation to submit a plan in terms of this Act to the local authority in question for approval;
(b) grant authorization for the erection of such building in accordance with the conditions and directions specified in such authorization.
(2) Any authorization granted in terms of subsection (1)(b) shall lapse if after the expiry of a period of 6 months the erection of the building has not commenced, but the building control officer may from time to time extend such period at the written request of the owner of such building or any person having an interest therein if such building control officer is satisfied that there are sound reasons therefor.
NOTE: Sub-s. (2) substituted by s. 6 of Act 62 of 1989.
(3) If any building control officer refused to extend in terms of subsection (2) any period of 6 months referred to in that subsection, any person who feels aggrieved may in writing request the local authority in question to consider such refusal and thereupon such local authority may confirm such refusal or extend such period on such conditions as it may think fit.

In Tshwane you MUST submit plans for all minor building work

The municipality requires you to submit plans to make sure it complies with all the by-laws reqarding safety, fire safety and placement on site. Many people illigally built over municiple sewer servitudes. These structure will not be approved by the council. You will be forced to demolish it or the council can demolish it for you and add the cost to your municiple account.

Thatch Lapa and Wendy houses

While buildier tell you you don't need plans for a Lapa, remember that any thatch or wooden structure needs to be at least 4.5m away from any boundary. Anything closer, you will need a rational fire design on your lapa and you need to treat it with a fire retardent material. So many clients only find out afterwards that their lapa is too close to the wall or built over a sewer servitude. This means it needs to be demolished and prospective buyer might just walk away from the sale.

Make sure to contact us before you make a very expensive mistake