‘Below Deck Med’ Star Tumi Mhlongo Gets Candid About the Lack of Diversity in Yachting (Exclusive)

This is one charter season Tumi Mhlongo won't soon forget.

After many years of working tirelessly in the yachting industry, the reality TV star is ready to take on the title of Chief Stew in the new season of Below Deck Mediterranean. It's an opportunity that Mhlongo believes doesn't always happen for people who look like her.

"I'm gonna just say there are not a lot of people of color that are in Chief Stew or management positions in the industry," she exclusively told The Messenger. "They tend to like to keep us down under. I think I only know three so far. There's probably more, but it's difficult, especially with a bigger size vessel."

While appearing on the first season of Below Deck Down Under in 2022, Mhlongo became a fan favorite for her work ethic and positive attitude as a second stew.

But as Season 8 of Below Deck Med kicks off Monday night, Mhlongo is ready to take on a bigger opportunity — even if there's more pressure for people in her position to deliver. 

"That's definitely something that made me really nervous, because you don't want to fail," she explained. "You don't want to give them a reason not to put you in this position. So I really can't screw this up."

While the show's trailer teases plenty of conflict and drama amongst the crew, one cast member who may have Mhlongo's back is Captain Sandy Yawn. 

"I really liked Captain Sandy," she shared. "I really loved her management style. I think she's definitely my type of captain to be honest. She's strict, and I like strict."

Below Deck Med premieres Monday at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Bravo and stream the next day on Peacock.