Tumi Mhlongo’s Journey After Below Deck Mediterranean Season 8: What You Need to Know

Tumi Mhlongo, who held the position of chief steward during season 8 of Below Deck Mediterranean, has been making waves since her time on the show. Although this wasn’t her debut in the Below Deck franchise—she initially appeared in season 1 of Below Deck Down Under as the second stew alongside Aesha Scott, the chief stew—Tumi’s journey has evolved. After gaining valuable experience under Aesha’s guidance, she stepped into the spotlight as chief stew on Below Deck Mediterranean, ready to showcase her skills.

However, Tumi’s approach to leadership did not resonate well with her crew or with viewers alike. Particularly, her interactions with Natalya Scudder, her third stew, brought about some controversy. Tumi’s attempts to assert her authority were perceived as overly critical, leading to tension between the two. While Tumi aimed to establish her role effectively, this communication style came off as condescending, which ultimately affected the dynamic on board. Despite the tension, Tumi acknowledged her shortcomings and sought to improve the situation, demonstrating her willingness to learn from her inaugural experience as a chief stew.

Tumi Thriving in New York City

Tumi Mhlongo from Below Deck Down Under posing for promo shot in blue shirt

Although originally hailing from South Africa, Tumi appears to have settled in New York City. The specifics of her move remain a mystery, but recent social media activity suggests she is relishing her new NYC lifestyle. On March 23, Tumi shared an Instagram video where she mixed an espresso martini in her apartment, commenting on the gloomy weather outside. She described her cozy day with the caption, “Embracing the cozy vibes with my go-to Espresso Martini recipe on this rainy Saturday in NYC,”highlighting a shift to a more relaxed pace compared to her demanding schedule on Below Deck Med.

Fostering Connections with Fellow Bravo Personalities

Since her time on Below Deck, Tumi has maintained relationships with various Bravo personalities. At BravoCon 2023 in Las Vegas, she was featured on a panel with castmates from her franchise, further strengthening these bonds. Tumi reunited with her former Below Deck Down Under colleagues Captain Jason Chambers and Aesha Scott and also mingled with stars like Fraser Olender from Below Deck and Daisy Kelliher from Below Deck Sailing Yacht.

Additionally, Tumi broadened her social circle by spending time with stars from other Bravo shows. Notably, she engaged with the likes of Erin Lichy and Ubah Hassan from The Real Housewives of New York City and Jordan Emanuel from Summer House: Martha’s Vineyard, displaying her vibrant social life post-show.

Transitioning Away from Yachting?

Since the conclusion of Below Deck Med season 8, the status of Tumi’s career in yachting is uncertain. There’s a noticeable absence of nautical references on her social media, suggesting a possible hiatus from the industry. While this could indicate a permanent shift away from yachting, it’s also plausible that Tumi is simply enjoying a break following her newfound fame in reality television, potentially keeping future plans under wraps until the release of Below Deck Med season 9.

Speculation on Tumi’s Return to Below Deck Med

Given her tumultuous tenure in season 8, there is a strong chance Tumi will return to Below Deck Med next season. Despite the missteps she faced, Tumi deserves the opportunity to redeem herself. With the exit of fan-favorite Hannah Ferrier, the series would benefit from establishing a consistent chief stew, a role for which Tumi could be perfectly suited. Even without official announcements regarding the cast for the upcoming season, Tumi’s presence in the show’s future seems plausible.

Tumi’s Plans for 2024

Following her stint as chief stew on Below Deck Med, Tumi is now focusing on personal growth and self-exploration beyond her reality television persona. Embracing her influencer role, she has shared snippets of her life in NYC—showcasing shopping trips, dining experiences, and social engagements. Her Instagram reflects her active participation in NYC’s Pride month, where she celebrated her debut at the festivities.

Yet, since June 2024, Tumi’s posts have dwindled, with her last noteworthy update centering around the Pride month celebrations. Even her comment sections have been limited. While she continues to engage via Instagram Stories, it’s unclear whether this signifies a temporary hiatus from her influencer activities or a more extended retreat. This pause may hint at potential future appearances on Below Deck, as Tumi reflects on her journey and contemplates new opportunities.

All seasons of Below Deck Mediterranean are available for streaming on Peacock.

Source: Tumi Mhlongo / Instagram

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